I knew when I heard it was National Volunters Week we would be short of helpers but fortunately it coincided with Women's Sports Week and they came to our rescue - thanks to Mary, Helena, Isoldt, Jackie & Harriet (who had just completed the full 10k compliment of courses)who collected controls and cleared up accordingly. We do need volunteers for the next 2 weeks as well - so please come forward.
I hope you enjoyed this concept of choosing your courses to run and in what order - although the 2.5k does tend to cause a bottleneck early on at the start.One of the reasons behind this format is that we can utilise smaller new areas in the Series, and although Weelsby is far from new it was the first time that it has been used for Poacher. Brian combined the open parkland with the multitude of paths in the rather overgrown woodlands to good effect and provided intense competition.
On the Short although Flora had a rare 'off' night she now still has an unassailable lead and another Jolly can be inscribed on the trophy (when it's returned) - well done to Imogen (&mum) for a first success.
On the Medium Joe's recent good form continued with another success just fending off Chris who's experience of this format nearly paid off. Megan's slow 2.5k time was her downfall as she tried to improve her mins/km by doing the extra distances - this nearly worked but was still 0.04 minutes behind Lawrence (agonisingly close).Too many to mention produced Series best points scores. Nothing was decided in terms of the League, but with Yasmin's exam timetable not being Poacher compatible - all trophies are going to go down to the wire.
On the Long - I believe Paul has regained the Trophy - it would have been very interesting if Zac had been able to run 8 times as he once again took first place albeit fractions ahead of Liam and Paul (just like last Series).I have not done the maths but Helena could well have retained the Ladies - 5th consecutive year? Similarly Dave Offler could have retained the Super Vets. Dean and Neil still contest the Masters as do Pete S and Mike S who still contest the Ultra Vets. Good Joker played by Brian H who narrowed the gap considerably with his main rival(s).
Next week another Poacher first - an urbanesque event utilising the delights of the River Freshney parkland and the delights of the Willows Estate. Short Course will be predominantly within the confines of the parkland area. As this Event also incorporates the first LUL Event the 3 course format will be used.