RACE 1

So today it all kicked off. Another season, afew notable teams back in Div 1 such as Hercules Wimbledon and some notable newcomers - Wimbledon Windmilers. Division 1 Surrey league, what an achievement. Just edging The Stragglers from last season with minimal points for the top flight.

Division 1 has a habit of dumping Div 2 promoters straight back down but todays results show a different story for the other clubs. The Windmilers packed very well in the mid pack with their last scorer up there with 4 other clubs but lacking afew top end they will have to develop some ideas to stay here. . Ranelagh clearly have been working hard over the Summer and the result speaks for itself. We know the captain has engineering skills so we will have to check what size spikes they had in next time.. SLH needed Phelen as much as I needed an inhaler today and were edged by a growing band of HW 'engine room' runners. Belgrave managed the course well with Don Anderson turning up all over the shop and they did excellent work on the crossing points.

The force of THH (203 points) edged HHH by 21 points to sweep them into a Gold medal position with 3 races left this season. Belgrave are 40 points clear of Ranelagh. Huw Lobb, in his third race in 3 weeks won from clubmate John McFarlane from James kelly (Belgrave). They were even seen out getting some secret miles in later on!! All results are at Belgrave Harriers.

RACE 2 - muddy!

RACE 3 - REIGATE

So a trip to the country was in store for the London based clubs. This course is pretty cool. A gentle uphill to begin with before a slightly stiffer climb then some very fast single track. A few climbs then a nice bit then an awesome downhill and loop back round. THH layed the foundations early doors with Johnny Mcfarlene, Lobb and Neil Chisholm leading the way. A merry band of HHH lay in wait with Quinn, Lockett, Shone, Newton, Robinson, Paviour and Kahn packing it in. In the top 20 there were 8 athletes over the age of 35. Do we see a future of top end races with over 35's leading the way.......a stat worth keeping.

Huw Lobb had a blinder, McMullan held 2nd and a rejuvenated Quinn took his smooth running style and showed it can work in the mud for 3rd.