When the Going Gets Tough the Stags Get Going at Epping Forest in the Chingford League

Saturday 18th January morning saw the fifth Chingford League race of the season at Epping Forest and as ever at this venue it was an extremely tough one but the Stags like a challenge and we certainly rose to the occasion. The start to this race is always a chaotic and crowded one and feels like an orienteering contest as runners try to find the quickest route through the forest and away from the plentiful mud, but that’s part of the fun. The course is two laps, 8km in total, and includes two very steep hills and sharp downhills. It was certainly treacherous in parts and two of our runners, Dermot McHugh (who has the scars to prove it) and Costa Michael, fell but that didn’t stop them having great races and most people sensibly wore spikes; 15mm in the case of Agnes Jacobs which proved the right choice for her because she had a great run and secured a course PB.

Our men’s team were led home by Richard McCormick proving that age (he’s an M60!) is no barrier to excellence when you are talented and committed. He was followed by the fast improving and somewhat younger Will Cooper who had a fine race too while the even younger Callum Sydenham, one of our excellent U20s was next. Callum was 4th in the Winter Points Trophy coming into this race and will have improved by one place but the leader Chun Ng, who finished close behind him and 2nd placed Paul Carter, who also had a great run, maintained their positions and it promises to be an exciting finish to that competition. Tim Ward returning from injury and Dave Byrne were terrific on the day too. Nick Scott beat fellow Stag Gary Randle by a nose in the most exciting finish of the day.

Our women’s team were led home by Kathryn Ellis who is in outstanding form at the moment and topped off a great performance with a huge course PB. She was followed home by the ever consistent Jana Jilkova, the runaway leader in the women’s Winter Points Trophy, and Chloe Marshall one of our exciting newcomers. Anneli Sydenham was all smiles after securing a huge course PB and Linda Dworowski and Ann Phillips had great races as well.

Great thanks are due to our travelling support of Pauline Michael, Sarah Ralphs and Erica Ward (Tim’s wife) for the encouragement on the day, the fantastic photos and the ever welcome assistance.

Anyone who doubts that our Team Spirit is 2nd to none should have seen the abundant smiles and laughter of the Stags in the Clubhouse after the race. It was a joy to behold.

Well done everyone!