Ampthill X/Country Trophy

2008 Race Director's report

Wow, what a great day for racing.  Overcast, cool breeze and with a few glimpses of sunshine.  First and foremost I’d like to thank whoever booked the weather and then the local Scouts for their food and hot drinks.  I hope you will be pleased to learn that their funds raised will go toward renewing equipment that has been put to a lot of good use over the past years.

It really was a great day.  So many smiling faces – well, OK, a few of the runners had to be prompted as they went up the odd hill here and there but everyone really did look like they were enjoying themselves.  Like last year the winning positions in the main race were established very early on and Andrew Inskip of Bedford and County AC stormed home in 29 minutes exactly, followed by Tom Bradford of Hook Horton Harriers and our own Phil Holland.  Phil does deserve our additional congratulations because he improved on his time from last year and went from 8^th to 3^rd.

Phil was also part of the winning Flyers Mens team, ably assisted by Kieron Lewis (13^th) and Darren Farr (19^th).  Beds Harriers were the winning Ladies team - Eimear Mullen, Carla Fisher and Sally Cartwright, taking positions 1, 3 and 4.  In 2^nd place came Jackie Cooper from Newbury AC who improved her time from last year and was rewarded by moving from 8^th to second place.  Carla also improved her position from 4^th to 3^rd.  Obviously a competitive lot, these ladies presenting a challenge to the Flyers own A and B teams who came 2^nd and third in the team race (Sally Marsh, Denise Dillon, Carole Lydon and Jo Aaktar, Alison Chick, Vee Verstraete)

We had more junior entries this year, which is encouraging – but we still have room for more.  Our official starter, the local Mayor, Councillor Gary Summerfield, remarked how impressive it was to see the keenness in their eyes as they all lined up, waiting for the gun. Later on he was a little surprised to see the same keenness amongst the seniors as the 199 starters politely jostled for position on the start line.

 But back to the racing.  Carla Humphry from Riverside Runners crossed the line as the first U13, improving on her time and second place in the last year’s race.

She was followed in by Sophie Richens from Chelmsford AC.  Megan Shreeves of Bedford and County won the U15 just ahead of Emilly Cattell of Wellingborough.  U17 honours went to Chloe Vernon Hamilton with Katy-Ann Tuttlebury of Chelmsford AC was in second place.

 The U13 Boys race was won by James Downing of Hunts AC, followed in by Patrick Taylor of Vale of Aylesbury.  Guy Marsham, from Wellingborough School, whose continued support of this event is appreciated, took the U15 title with Stephen Woodford of Chelmsford in second.  Wellingborough provided both 1^st and 2^nd in the U17 boys, with Ruben McNeil Walsh winning out against Craig Lambert.

 Other winners are:

 Finally, please indulge me, I’d like to thank those runners who said “well done“ to any and all of the marshals and helpers on the day because they worked so hard to ensure everything went “just right” for all the runners.  Thanks also to our sponsors, Urban and Rural, Physiotherapy and Spinal Clinic in Ampthill and the Camping and Caravan Centre and to all those who turned up to support their runners and contributed to a great race day atmosphere.  I’m pleased to say St John’s had a very quiet session. Really I’d just like to say thank to one and all for contributing to a great day.

Ampthill and Flitwick Flyers are rightly proud of our ability to put on good events that are challenging, supportive and well organised.  We look forward to welcoming everyone back next year.

The only downside to me was the number of winners medals we still have.  I can’t see how we can do anything for the main race but maybe next year we could make the Junior presentation on the course just before the main race starts?

Haydn  Leaker

Ampthill Trophy 2008 Race Director

RaceDirector@AmpthillTrophy.org.uk