28th RAF Benevolent Fund Halton Hills Cross Country Race and 5th Annual Ramble - 09 May

By Flt Lt Carl Thompson, Photos by RAF Halton Photographic Section

The 28th consecutive Royal Benevolent Fund Halton Cross-Country Race took place by kind permission of the Station Commander, Group Captain R D Gammage MSc MA RAF, RAF Halton on Wednesday 9 May 07. The event takes entries from Service personnel and MoD employed civilian individuals and teams. For the fifth time the event also incorporated a ramble over the same course. Many teams traveled a considerable distance to compete with Aldergrove, Coningsby and Honington all in attendance.

This demanding yet rewarding event started and finished at the Burnett Gym, RAF Halton and covered the traditional route of some 7.5 miles through the picturesque Wendover Woods. The event is deliberately designed as a challenge and includes a number of steep inclines and steep descents! In short (it isn’t when you run it) 7.5 miles with seven big hills. For the statistically minded amongst you there is an overall ascent of 1200 ft.

The race has much history. Each hill has been commemorated with names such as Cardiac Arrest and Legless Last and of course the infamous Cobley’s Rise; named after the founding father of this race Don Cobley. Don passed away in 1999 but for those not old or “bald”or is it bold? enough to remember him, Don was an RAF Physical Training Instructor, an Olympian at Pentathlon and RAF running legend who inspired many over the years. History lesson now complete, onto the race report.

This year’s race was held in cool conditions on a dry fast surface, no mud this year despite a light drizzle for most of the race. Wing Commander Dave Cole V45 (High Wycombe) led from start to finish to maintain his excellent record in the race, Dave showed age is no barrier to success; he recorded an excellent time of 46 min 20 sec. Cpl Marcus Maxwell (Benson) finished strongly to secure second place in 48 min 55 sec overhauling Cpl Steve Robinson (Honington) the third place finisher in 49 min 15 sec. Pete Golding V50 (Honington) who continues to go strength to strength finished fourth overall in 50 min 46 sec. Plt Off Helen Taylor (High Wycombe) recorded an excellent time of 55 min 55 sec to secure 15th placeamongst the men and victory in the ladies race. Jodie Digby (Halton) was second in 61 min 29 sec. High Wycombe secured victory in the men’s team competition ( Dave Cole 1st , John Lawler 7th ,Brett Edgeworth 16th and Jonnie Johnson 21st ) holding off Southwick Park ( Alistair Ewing 5th, Nige Bostock 6th, Ken Ivory 12th and Bradley 31st). Team honours in the ladies race went to Halton (Jodie Digby 2nd, Bonthrone 3rd and Sue Pugh 5th). The Halton Phys Ed Team won the Don Cobley trophy awarded to the first Halton Section Team to finish. Race results can be found below.

Having been involved in RAF races for 18 years I am also very pleased to report to a new development on the RAF running scene. It is customary to see the Station Commander start a race but Group Captain Richard Gammage has set a precedent by starting, competing and completing the race. Setting a superb example he completed the course along with his pet spaniel dog. Despite a few unscheduled detours they finished 23rd overall in 58 min 16 sec. A mention should also go to someone making a welcome return to the RAF running scene. Group Captain John Lawler V50 (High Wycombe). John showed he has not forgotten how to run a good race by finishing an excellent 7th overall.

Overall the race was fine example of smooth organization and excellent teamwork all round. SAC Dan Parry took a break from his primary duty in the Halton Regiment GDT Section to head up and organize this years Halton Hills support team. Excellent pre and post race administration was the order of the day and special thanks are due to Warrant Officers’ Steve Langley, Eddie Foodstadt, Kev Wright and Andy Tipping, the Physical Education Flight and the SERCO Support Services Team led by Les Coulson. Ian Kevan from Ultra-Sport supported the event by providing additional prizes and the opportunity to buy specialist running kit. The efficient and encouraging race marshals were provided Recruit Development Squadron and Airman Development Squadron. Everyone was particularly impressed with the professional handling of the event.

For those who have yet to experience this unique event I would urge you all to get on the start line in 2008.

Results