The Stags Brave the Elements and the HILLS in the Chingford League

Tuesday evening saw the third Chingford League race of the season at Hog Hill and there were a lot of positives for the Club although the weather was not one of them. Three years ago 3 Stags competed in this fixture whereas on Tuesday 20 did which is a testament to the Club’s resurgence; driven in no small part by the enthusiasm of newer members. For Club stalwart, Kirsty Johnstone, this race was her 16th appearance at this venue (a Club record) but just as importantly 6 others (4 of them scoring) made their Hog Hill debuts and seemed to enjoy it in spite of the conditions. Given the location and timing of the races was not ideal for us we can take a lot of comfort from our performance on the night.

The weather conditions were challenging to say the least with strong winds and rain while part of the course is notoriously dark. The 5K cycle track itself, with its tremendous views over London, is a great, if challenging, one to run; never flat and hilly rather than gently undulating. Men and women ran separately and there were two large loops and one small loop with lots of cheering and encouragement from spectators.

Our women’s team was led home once again by Pauline Michael who improved on her time at the Velodrome; strangely a combination of poor visibility, the cold and wet and hills seemed to suit her which is just as well at Hog Hill. Jenny Lambert, also scoring for the Club again, improved on her time from the previous year by 5 minutes! The men’s team was led home superbly by Gary Pelosi (a magnificent 17.02). The fast improving Brian Lallaway also had a great run.

It seems the tougher the conditions the better we perform.

The races to date have been at locations that did not suit us but the next one on Saturday 26th November also serves as our very own Club X/C Championship and the Fraternity & Sorority Cup. Clearly there are many reasons for members to turn out in large numbers and show what a great and committed Club we are. It is 8km on a course that we can be proud of and which holds no fears for us; just make sure your footwear is suitable for the conditions on the day.

Turnout is important so let’s make this home fixture count. Everyone is welcome and everyone is needed! Spread the word.

David Scott