Chilly weather and very strong winds greeted the Club Handicap on the Crawfordsburn Trail but it was dry. Dry for the race anyway as the rain held off until the last runner had crossed the line. The first five places went in order to the five fastest on the day with John Carlisle winning in 25.03 minutes ( net time 18.33), fellow back marker Nick Arkenspaar second in 24.24 (net 18.54) and Thomas Simpson third in 24.28 (net 21.18). Norman Lellyett was next, just edging out Brian Smith for top veteran. First and second women were Sarah Benton from Jill Dowie with Roma McConvillethe fastest with a net time of 24.10 minutes.There will be further handicap outings over the Crawfordsburn Trail for the Ken and Lynne Hawtin Trophy just before Christmas and for the Smith Shield in the spring at the end of the winter season.
