George Jephcott Boxing Day Relays
Abington Park 26 12 2009 10.30am
The annual George Jephcott Boxing Day relays were held as usual on a very cold,icy Boxing Day morning at Abington Park,Northampton.
After a very early course check the organiser decided the conditions on the footpaths around the park were hazardous and could not be used,so for the first time the organiser had to do a major course change so the relays could go ahead.
At 10.30 am it was very pleasing to see 17 teams go to the line in teams of two,the teams were selected by the handicapper trying to make them as even as possible,but on a new shorter course and on grass this was always going to be a difficult job.
It was pleasing to see runners from the Rugby hub attending,and also some sprinters come and take part,but it was good that non runners and parents put on their running shoes and joined in.
First starter of the day was Charlotte Allee,with all the other runners chasing her,as a sprinter she did not let her partner down and during the race they were always in contention for a medal.
It became very clear,very early on that the Ratcliffe brothers had hod winked the handicapper once again with their, I've not been training,I've not been well, and you will be here to midday unless I get a good partner.
Going into the final lap,a race was developing between John Saw and Liam Ratcliffe for first place,John was working hard,but in the last 300 metres Liam Ratcliffe eased past John to claim first place,he was heard to say that if there was another 100 metres he had nothing left.
A good morning was had by all, the winners were the team of Phoebe (I led this team home) Ellis and Liam (I'm now back in training) Ratcliffe who took home the George Jephcott Trophy. 2nd place were the team of John (Dave to his mates) Saw and non runner Dan (I've come all the way from Slad for this) Clifford and in 3rd place the team of Sarah (the grinder) Bennett and Connor (thank you for the partner Neil) Ratcliffe.
A special mention to the last two runners home Terry Egan and Rory Grant, who had one almighty battle on the last lap, when nothing was at stake except pride.
A big thank you to all those who took part, and the organiser,handicapper and course setter. Hope to see you all next year when we will be back on the usual course.
