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The second club
race of the 2004/05 season was blessed with a fairly good field of all
ages and quite mild weather.
This traditional race was originally held on Boxing Day 1947 and is marked
by the appearance of some competitors in festive attire although, perhaps
sadly, such is the competitive spirit, that many do not wish to impair
their performances by any excess clothing.
The race is a handicap event, which is normally started off progressively,
slowest to fastest with the aim of all arriving at the finish together. On
this occasion this was not possible and Mark Easton and a visitor from
Bexley were soon away, staying together until the exciting finish where
Mark just held off his younger companion by a few seconds.
A gap of five minutes then occurred before a the next four arrived within
two minutes with the last 3 trying in vain to pull back those in front but
failing to make any impression.
These were immediately followed by the three leading women also engaged in
a tight battle with Heather Fenton in the frame this time and a little way
ahead of Southern Area President Pam Ficken who we were glad to see
competing again.
The shorter races
involved two of our younger members, both Statters who, with Mum and Dad,
Carol and Ian, made a family event of it with David having a particularly
good performance.
Tea was kindly prepared as usual by Race Secretary, Peter Selby’s family
and was a jolly affair with the traditional Christmas cake and mince pies
and the presentation of prizes and the Cup itself to handicap winner Paul
King.
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