Summer Madness

Nicki Philp and husband Richard cross the finish line together....despite what the results say!

After last year's theme of "Monsoon Madness" it was a complete turn around this year with a lovely summer evening for the fifth running of the "quite" New Ten Madness. (Results now available at the following link: http://www.runnerswebuk.com/)

There was a great turn out with 140 oops, make that 141 runners completing the event and a very impressive performance by first runner home, Bertie Powell from Woodford Green in a time of 37.49. Hot on his heels was Nigel Rackham from Metros with John Broom from Holmfirth Harriers finishing in third place. After all this foreign success it was good to see Yeovil Town's Paul Rose cross the line in fourth place to take the first MV40 prize, although he did seem more concerned about the collection of his lardy cake and cucumber.

Dawn Broom, ex local lady, now defected "up north" put in an excellent run to lead the ladies home in 45.14 and right behind her (always chasing the ladies!) Pete Jakeman celebrated his first run as a V60 by being first V60 - good job we had a spare lardy cake since there wasn't an official prize for the category. Sarah Jordan Whittaker was second lady home and Julie Rayfield finished in third place and could also claim the prize for travelling furthest, being a member of Dubai Road Runners!

Once again there was great local support from Yeovil Town, Egdon Heath and Royal Manor of Portland, and following some bullying tactics at the Haselbury Trail race the previous week, it was good to welcome our first ever Langport runners to the event - worth the trip for Matt Hill who finished in an excellent 7th position.

Richard Rider led the Maiden Newten contingent home followed by Mike Ashworth, Charlie Spencer, Andy Staples, Jackie Webb, Olivia Newman-Spencer and Di Ashworth - all looking like they had thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

As usual, the driving force behind the success of the event was Club Chairman, Phil England with support from his long suffering wife Jackie. Thanks must go to everyone who helped make the evening go so well, but without Phil there would be no Madness. So there you are, you know who to blame!



Under Phil's expert organisation everything ran like clock work and he even looked quite happy too!

Our friends from Yeovil Town Running Club made up a large part of the field and they made an impressive sight as they led the charge as the race started at 7pm.

Mike sprints for the finish line and if he looks that happy he obviously didn't try hard enough!

Charlie leads the Maiden Newton ladies home - as usual not a hair out of place - and no mud either!

Di looks pleased to see the finish line.