As many of you will know, last weekend was an extremely busy yet successful 36 hours for the Club. Firstly we hosted the ‘Kenilworth Festival’ 10k race at Abbey Fields together with the shorter ‘Fun Run’ and ’Schools Challenge’. It was a grey morning that saw  members setting up the course etc. from as early as 7.00am and then resourcing the tented HQ during the races before tidying and packing everything  up. The races appeared to run without too many problems with 143 in the main 10k event. So a huge ‘thanks’ to all those involved. A big thank you also to the 30 course marshals who turned up and patiently stood on their spots whilst their feet got wetter and wetter and their bones slowly chilled.

The Sunday saw another, yet earlier start for several as some of our runners began the first leg of the Hilly 100 mile road relay race from Stratford and at 5.00am!! As previously stated we had entered 6 teams (that is 60 runners)into this event, a record number. Each team had support from a team Captain and others so, I guess well over 80 members will have been involved for much of the day. I say day, bear in mind some Captains and others were out on the road from 5.00am to beyond 7.30pm. We had 3 teams of men, one team of women and two mixed teams. All were aiming to win or at least notably improve upon previous years with the two mixed teams racing each other for the new ‘tortoise trophy’.

In short as Pete Bryan our Chairman states, we were AWESOME. The men’s ‘A’ team smashed it breaking records with their sub 10 hour result (that is each runner averaging less than 60 minutes for a very hilly 10 mile leg). The ‘B’ team won their category with another race record and the Lady’s knocked near on one hour off their previous best to finish second and very close to Spa Striders who had better watch out. The mixed teams challenge was won by Pauline’s team although  misfortune did gift them some 20/25 minutes which would have otherwise meant something of a sprint finish to decide. I think I’ve got most of these facts right. Please see our Web site for a comprehensive race review together with Ros Matthews’ diary of race events. 

Communication to all Club members is a continuing issue. We try to circulate most information by e-mail or web site entry and very often by both. Of course that requires that we have your correct e-mail address or that you occasionally view the web site. Next time you are out running with a fellow member please ask if they are getting this information and if not to let myself or another committee member know.

Now to the future. Firstly (for the ladies, I believe!) There is a spa type pamper day on Saturday 2nd June and it might be possible to reserve further places. if you are interested please speak to Sara Habib – by clicking here.  Secondly the ‘Two Castles’ is on Sunday 10th June. We have a massive Club entry of over 80. Good luck to all. On the basis the weather is kind to us we are proposing to have a post race Club picnic for all members and their families (bring your own refreshments) from around 1.30pm in Abbey Fields. More details to follow. Thirdly, do not forget to enter to the Sphinx AC 5 mile race (13th June) and the Stratford Summer 6 (30th June) both of which are part of the WRRL.