Highclere Race Stirs Up a Hornet’s Nest!

Report on the Gardner Leader Highclere 10k race held on 28th September from Race Director Derek Matthews:

Over 300 senior and junior runners raced over the paths and roads of Highclere Estate last weekend.  The young runners sped around a 2 kilometre single lap on the inner estate road circuit, followed by the field of senior athletes who set off in bright sunshine to take on the arduous challenge of the multi terrain course, which consists of over six miles of grazed pasture, forest trails, stone tracks and surfaced lanes.  The runners have little time to relax and enjoy the stunning views as the route continually undulates across the bumpy countryside.  This year, an unexpected obstacle emerged just after the halfway drink station. Hundreds of angry hornets, threatened by the approach of the runners, mounted unrelenting, vicious attacks on the main field.  Over 60 runners were stung, most repeatedly, one man collapsed at seven kilometres and thanks to the quick reactions of fellow athletes and marshals, was recovered by the on-site ambulance.  First aid was administered at the finish as runners formed a long queue awaiting a soothing insect spray to ease their discomfort.  One male required further extensive treatment before being able to leave, and the collapsed patient was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.  This year’s fine summer has increased wasp and hornet activity.  All was quiet when we marked, checked and cleared the course, but ramblers, cyclists and joggers should be aware if they venture into the countryside, and give these insects a wide berth.

The race itself was won by Gareth Watkins (Hillingdon AC) in a record time of 34:43, beating previous attempts over the present course by over one minute.  White Horse entered a very strong team with Paul Wileman (2nd in 36:03), Paul Jegou (4th overall and first MV40), another solid performance from Tim Hughes (6th overall and first MV60) and finally Ian Lambourn finishing 12th overall and winning the MV50 prize.  Despite this Newbury clinched the team prize by just one point (23 points to 24).  Newbury’s James Craggs came in third, closely followed by Thomas Teece (John Ives Trophy), Wayne Lillis, Michael Robbins, Nigel Popplewell and Stephen Elsmere.   First lady over the line was Lucy Hartley in a time of 45:39, heading Yasmin Ryder and Jenny O’Connor to complete a Newbury AC 1/2/3 clean sweep in the female race. Catherine Cox (Newbury Runners) lead home the FV35 ladies. Hungerford Hares runner June Frith was first FV50 winner, and at the back of the field, accompanied by her husband, Julie Wing was our sole FV60 finisher. Full results  and photographs are available on the race page.

This unique event was only possible because of assistance from Gardner Leader, who stepped in at the last minute, with financial support, and prizes.  The Club also acknowledges the generosity of Lord and Lady Carnarvon who allow special access to their beautiful estate.  The grounds were in superb condition, despite the stream of tourists who have visited throughout the summer.  They present a picturesque backdrop to this tough running challenge, and a unique opportunity to run within feet of this world famous landmark.  Lord Carnarvon sounded the horn to release the runners on their way to the far corners of the estate, and once the senior athletes were clear, he set off in pursuit to complete the challenge in a creditable 73 minutes.  Lady Carnarvon graciously presented the awards to the worthy winners.

Proceeds from the event enable Newbury Athletic Club to fund the development of potential young athletes from our local area.  We are also able to make an annual donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, whose volunteers have managed our drink stations and assisted us for many for years.

Personally, I would like to thank all the people on the Estate who, despite the disruption to their routine, continue to support our activities, and the countless people who turn out over the weekend to help and make the whole event possible.