A week before our relay Barry entered two teams in the Runnymede Relay at Windsor Great Park. We had two mixed teams which were equally matched. I was placed on the last leg which was 2.75 miles long and Ginny had a short lead. I was unsure how long it was in time but I could see her in the distance! It was excellent to have someone to chase and I just about caught her with about 600 yards to go. Ginny then put on a spurt and I had to respond. Needless to say we raced each other to the line and I think it was a dead heat - officially not confirmed yet! It was great for 12 members to give up an afternoon, represent their club and support others. We should do more of it and now we have another chance in September! The long lost and much loved RIVER RELAY is returning on the 10th September 2000. For new members it's a six person relay running from Windsor to Ham near Richmond. The legs are various lengths and it follows the River Thames. Up until it's cancellation several years ago WVR regularly entered three teams and on occasion were placed very highly. At other times our teams were very closely matched and it was very enjoyable. It would be great to do it again! If you can firmly commit yourself to taking part please contact me ASAP.
Editorial
My last editorial, so my last chance to drum up support for the club! Having passed the organiser's baton to Barry regarding the Relay Marathon I must congratulate him on coping with such a difficult event this year. There were two major problems this year! The first was an incident involving one of the British Airways runners and a motorist. We will probably never know exactly what happened and why, but as the runner involved did not pass on the baton Barry had no option but to disqualify British Airways. They had continued without informing Barry (as the baton had been returned by another runner!)
Our second problem was a combination of several things. We only had two WVR teams (hastily & brilliantly organised by Wendy & Barry during the last few days preceding the event). This in turn meant that we had only a maximum of 20 available marshals for the course. Chris Peppiatt did an excellent job ensuring that the course was marshalled fully at all times but this meant that several people were marshalling for hours. I know I've said it before but - PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR CLUB EVENTS! The club used to organise a Fun Run & Sports Day but these stopped through lack of club support. Having said that I understand that the re-scheduled Rounders Match was well supported - well done everyone!
From a personal viewpoint I quite enjoyed the chance to concentrate on my running (rather than organising the relay). However, my lack of training resulted in my not so impressive "slowest" time for Windle Valley Men! Despite this our team still did well, as did the ladies team which included a lot of new members who hadn't run the event before.
SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST:
AGM - NEW DATE Wednesday 13th September, 7.30pm at Pavilion, Windlesham Field of Remembrance, Kennel Lane NEW COMMITTEE - New committee members required. Please complete enclosed form & forward if proposing members. 10k HANDICAPS; Volunteers still required to do timing. Please contact Barry. RIVER RELAY; 10th September If you want to organise a team or run please contact Carl ASAP The Racquet Shop, Godalming 20% Club discount available Contact Suzanne on 01483 424080
EDITOR Carl Webb, * Heronswood, The Ridgeway, Lightwater, Surrey, GU18 5XS
