Young Stags Take Centre Stage at Lee Valley VeloPark in the Chingford League

A race report can’t do justice to how well the Stags did in the evening on Wednesday 4th October when 52! Stags (48 seniors and 4 Juniors), ranging in ages from 9 to 73 years old, competed at the VeloPark and BOTH MEN AND WOMEN WON the Division 2 contest. Simply magnificent!

This is not an easy location for the Stags to reach and parking can be challenging but this didn’t deter our runners and supporters which is a testament to the Team Spirit currently. For example it took Chris and Mandy Violet 1 hour 45 minutes to get there yet they had great runs and to quote Chris ‘loved the whole experience, sometimes the challenge makes it more fun’. Looking forward to seeing both of them return next year.

A number of Stags made their Chingford League debuts on the night not least our 4 juniors and 5 U20s. The juniors included U11s Alex and Mia and U13 Natalie who all ran 2K on the night and were great while U15 Jorjia triumphed against all the U15 and U17 girls and came FIRST! In the women’s race. Brilliant! It’s the first time I can recall that we have had juniors racing away from home in the Chingford League and they did us proud. Meanwhile all 5 of our U20s (Noah Clarke, Joe Ward, Callum Sydenham, Charlotte Harris and Emma McCluskey) scored for the team which is a testament to their ability and the coaching they have received from John Clarke who was there to watch. The fastest Stag on the night Ed Fraser (4th in Division 2 and 10th overall) is only 21 years old and finished in 16:38 which is a massive PB. The future is looking very bright for the Stags.

There were great performances throughout the teams; James McCormick was the 4th finisher in the men’s team (after Ed, Noah and Joe) and his father Richard (great to see him back racing in the Chingford League) was the 6th finisher (after Callum). Also returning to racing after long absences were Grahame Davies and Graham Slater; it was great seeing you there. Des Michael at the age of 73 and returning from injury showed aging legs were no barrier to racing on the night. In the women’s team Charlotte (2nd in Division 2 and 10th overall) and Emma led the way, while Sarah Moffatt was all smiles on the night having enjoyed the well lit course enormously. Anneli Sydenham earned yet another PB.

The 5K cycle track itself was a great one to run; never flat but gently undulating rather than hilly, and well-lit. Men and women ran separately and there were three laps with lots of cheering and encouragement from spectators (particularly Stags) which made for a trackside atmosphere that is second to none. The weather was perfect for racing.