Christmas Races

The Westgates were relieved that the 25th Wellington Monument Race actually went ahead, after being cancelled for the last two years due to atrocious weather. Many thanks to the race director for his many years of service as he takes a well earned rest in the wings. While my performance was very average, Lesley did a PB for the course scooping first FV55.

Boxing Day saw the Westgates at the Stoke Stampede along with the Lascelles. We were blessed with almost perfect running conditions, but I still managed a very average performance. Ben, my neighbour from Milverton was 5th in about 35 minutes, and Martin cruised home in under 40 minutes, with Lin trailing somewhat. Lesley was once again very happy with a course PB.

New Years Day saw the Westgates at the second Chard Flyer, along with Dave Carnell and the slightly knackered Lascelles after their busy DIY house move. Martin was so exhausted that he only dared attach his race number with two pins instead of the normal four! (Or was this part of his continuing drive to minimise weight?). A first time for all of us on this course which proved to be slightly testing, with a long slowish climb, followed by a steep downhill. We looped around part of the reservoir on decking, through woods, housing and industrial estates and on to the Cricket Club for the finish. I performed in an average fashion. Martin excelled being first MV55. Lin trumped him as first lady and first FV45. Lesley completed the Maiden Newton hat-trick with first FV55. She also beat me age-graded in all three races. Dave Carnell however brought the club into disrepute. In the words of Dave Mutter of AVR “In a bizarre quirk some Maiden Newton runners ran as Crewkerne,” thus handing the first team prize – wine and trophy – to AVR.