The sage of Forest Hill (KP), had it just about right with his pre-race predictions for both the team’s finishing position and John’s tremendous seventh position in this top class cross country race. Yet as we know finishing positions only give us part of the story .The race itself proved an eventful one in more ways than one (sorry Chris G, more of that later) The race was held at the beautiful setting of Stanmer Park just outside Brighton. On a cold crisp day, the arduous, hilly course was a formidable test of endurance.

As mentioned, the race proved eventful for Chris Greenwood with a memory lapse causing him to get almost to the start line without out his chip timer. This meant a frantic dash back to collect it and then having to start when the rest of the field (over 700) had actually set off. Although his aberrant moment was obviously extremely galling , the way he subsequently sliced his way through the field (finishing 75th) did him great credit and demonstrated what good shape he’s in. At the very front end John Gilbert delivered again as he has done all season. He made his intentions clear early on by being in the leading group at the top of the steep hill at the end of the small lap at the beginning of the race. John was in the leading group of runners for a sizeable chunk of the race and as always gave it his all. Last year John was tenth in this race and although three places may not sound much, when you are in top class company moving up three places is no mean achievement. Behind John came James Connor proving what a mature racer he’s become. He started very steadily reckoning that many would go off too fast. He was proved correct and when you think James’ has only been upping his training gradually since his fine marathon run, his 18th place has to be commended. Next man home was Jim Savage in 36th, - like James, Jim’s pacing was spot on, leading to an excellent result - especially when you consider how much training Jim had lost through injury and his cycle accident. There was then a bit of a gap to Chris Greenwood whose escapades I have, of course, already mentioned.

Following Chris, though , was the lean, mean , machine that is Stuart Beaney. His period of abstinence has meant the pounds have been slipping off and he was rewarded with a top hundred finish coming home in 93rd.Behind Stuart having solid runs were Rich Munn at 104, closing our six to score and then Steve McGrory at (117.) As I said earlier, the race was eventful and for Steve it seems for the wrong reasons. He lost a number of places due to a fragile stomach giving rise to a forced pit stop (yes, Paula R style!).Next home not far apart were Jack Wilson (147) and Paul Bell (158) both very respectable runs in such a strong , high quality field. There was then a gap before Simon Loach came through in (271) . Simon’s run was , shall we say, a typical Simon run. Closing the team as 11th and 12 th scorers were the veterans of many a campaign , Bernie Hutchinson and Pete Boxshall. Bernie ‘s had more than his fair share of illness and injury and so it was good to see Bernie enjoying his race and coming home in(473). But a special word of praise must go to Pete (632)(there were still over a hundred behind him). Pete stepping in at the last moment after withdrawals enabled us to have a 12 man team and retain the cup awarded for top club in the county. Although Pete had some knowledge that he might have to step in, it was only confirmed on the train down. He initially seemed blasé – almost nonchalant about the prospect. However, the wind was slightly taken out of his sails when he had it confirmed that the race was actually nine miles and not the shorter distance he’d originally thought. So well done Pete who even ran round asking for bulletins on how the rest of the team were doing.

And finally congratulations must go to winner of race and Kent second claimer, Ben Tickner. It seems Ben owed his victory to a spectacular effort at the end of the race. As one of the spectators who couldn’t quite get back to witness the finish I’ve had to rely on reported accounts. When spectators saw Belgrave’s Phil Wicks with a lead of around 40 metres , with about a mile and a half to go, we hadn’t really envisaged a change. However, we hadn’t bargained for Ben apparently descending fell runner style down the final hill and then using a searing burst of pace along the final stretch to pip Phil Wicks by 3 seconds.

After this highly encouraging display, let’s hope there’s a solid turnout to ensure a convincing victory at the final Surrey League , then to round things off let’s ensure we have our best possible team out for the National.

Andy G