Captains Corner - 26/06/2021

Here’s this weeks Captain’s Corner which saw the second race of this years Elvis league series that took us to the Olympic Park. Fourteen 88’s took themselves over to Stratford for this 5k. It was a two lap course and the weather was a warm one. It was under Covid restrictions which meant it was a chipped timed race and we all started in waves.

The first Dagger home was Tom Seargent in a time of 21.08 and I know Tom was a little disappointed but it was a good run, so well done mate. Second Dagger home and our first women home was Nat Booth coming in in 23.12 and Tony Woodgate was close behind in 23.47. Rahana Islam followed these three in on a time of 24.45. We then had a close group with myself coming in on 25.26 (PB for me and from a personal view I was very pleased with taking around 25 secs of my previous 5k best). Then we had Michael Pegnall on 25.29, Nils Hollmann on 26.12, Lynton Fairman with a great effort on 26.48 and Louise Honey Chappell on 27.09. Jason Manning came in next after continuing on carrying an injury on 29.02 so well done for completing. Closely behind Jason was Timi Veerasamy in on a time of 29.09. A great run by Irene Campen who came in on a time 31.30. We then had Kirsty Hannan on 37.50 and Sam Veerasamy on 40.55, well done you Daggers you all done great!! And we had great encouragement and support from the sidelines from Gary Cardnell and Julie Cardnell, Andy Beazeley and Jenny O'Hanlon, Emma O'Shea, Emma Dudman, Billy Walkington and Craig Chappell. We then had a very pleasant refreshment but that’s another story. For all you Daggers who are thinking about turning up for future Elvis races please do, it is always a great atmosphere and there is no pressure and we are all there to encourage and support you.

On to yesterday where Gary, Rahana, Louise and myself ventured over to Epping to have a go at Orion’s fell race and this is like a x-country race with a lot of elevation. As you all know we had a fair bit of rainfall which arrived as we got there, lasted about 45 mins then stopped when we started to run but the damage had been done the first hill (which is completed a second time to the finish) is around 200ft and with the mud most found it pretty tough from the start. I have no times yet for this but Gary looked strong and is on his way back to full fitness, great going Gary!!.

Times are in:

Gary Cardnell 37:56

Rahana Islam 38:17

John Hughes. 42:27

Louise Chappell 46:54

This weekend see some of the 88’s attending the SITC event, not sure who is in but I’d like to wish you all best of luck and have a great run and enjoy the day.