[Not a valid template]Simon Cummings was the winner of the Christmas Handicap from a fast-closing Kris McKee and Norman Lellyett with a record turnout of 34 runners. Simon becomes the first holder of the Ken and Lynne Hawtin Shield, a new trophy open to North Down members and present and past pupils of BRA. Stephanie Hambling and Kerry Iveston had a close battle for first lady with Stephanie taking it by 3 seconds. Francis Marsh was back marker and had the fastest net time of 17:15 with Jamie Stewart 18:33, Robin Brown 18:54 and Simon Seaton and Brendan McConville on 18:55 on Brendan”s annual concession to endurance events.
[Not a valid template]The trophy is to mark the infamous Boxing Day run which Ken and Lynne held from their home for 40 years between 1963 and 2003 and its legendary hospitality. Initially for Ken”s pupils at BRA, it was later extended to include former pupils and members of NDAC. When Ken called time two years ago, the seashore course had changed dramatically and traffic was so much increased that it was no longer viable in these days of risk assessment. As the Club Christmas Handicap was now established on the Saturday before the holiday, it was decided to make it a trophy race to mark the earlier event.
Michael McKnight brought down a group of BRA boys with the first being Stephen McComiskey on 20:54 net and the fastest Chris McKeown on 19:58. North Down athletes, now at University included Tom and Luke Reynolds, Jamie Stewart and Matthew Smith.