The author of this report missed the finish because he was on emergency swan patrol duty, but he is reliably informed by Serpiebase that the winner was a Hudspith yet again. This time Sebi appears to have romped home in the lead, pursued by Matthew Williams in second and Eamonn Richardson in third.

Well done to them, and to all those PB merchants: Phil Cuypers, Andrew Williams, Sorcha Wakely, Philip Chesworth, Tom Poynton (by one second), Encarna Rodriguez, Debbie Clarkes, Andrew Mills, Andy Bain, Debbie Chisholm, Cristian Stephens, Franca Pugliesi, Gideon Reid, Sally Ng, Jennifer Nel and Stephen Cambell.

Phil’s PB was all the more impressive because it came on the occasion of his 100th handicap. We presented him – and fellow 100th handicapper, Sid Wills – with a much-prized 100 handicap t-shirt. In return, they presented their fellow runners with some much-prized bubbly!

In his speech, Sid mentioned the fine work done by all the Handicap teams that have come and gone while he’s been chalking up his century. This was particularly appropriate because we also had to say goodbye to two of the people who’ve made the race happen for the last two-and-a-half years.

Apart from the occasion when they nearly sent the runners the wrong way, the time they got some results wrong by several minutes and the porridge bill that may yet bankrupt the club, Jeremy Milne and Nick Tucker have been highly efficient Handicappers. But, more to the point, they’re top-notch people and it’s always been a pleasure to see them – even early on a Saturday morning. Although they are both now moving to Scotland, they will always be welcome at the Handicap – especially if willing to pop to the Seymour to collect cones. Gentlemen, thanks to both of you!

In his last Handicap duty, Nick helped organise an excellent range of volunteers, so thanks to them as well. Unfortunately, the new Handicap honchos failed to write down their names so we can’t express our gratitude individually. Things can only improve!

Your Handicap Team