RAFAA V Cambridge Uni V Eastern Counties - 09
By Wg Cdr Dave Cole
On the 7 Nov 09 at RAF Halton, the RAF hosted the Eastern Counties and Cambridge University in this annual cross country race. The event is hosted by each team and this year it was our turn to host the event at RAF Halton. Due to a fireworks display on the lower fields, the traditional course was not used. Instead, the course began on the other side of the camp, near the Burnet gymnasium and was a hybrid of the Halton Hills course, but avoiding the big hills! The ladies would complete one 2.5 mile lap and the men two 2.5 mile laps.
This weather on the day was glorious sunshine and although there had been heavy rain the previous day the area had drained very well by the time of the start of the races. This meant that by and large the going was good with only patches of leaves providing any problems with footing.
The ladies race attracted a fairly large field, with both Cambridge University and Eastern Counties bringing a number of runners, some with very good pedigrees. From the start the Cambridge and Eastern runners placed themselves well, but in particular, Naomi Taschimowitz from Cambridge, appeared to be in imperious form. Followed by 2 Eastern runners, the first 3 places appeared tied up very early in the race. For the RAF Fg Off Helen Taylor (RAF Henlow) was again showing that she is returning to very good form. Helen performed very well in this very competitive field and eventually finished 7th the remainder of the RAF Ladies Team was made up of Sqn Ldr Jo Roe (RAF Wittering) and Sgt Mandy Meechan (RAF Halton). Both battled extremely well and Jo finished 15th and Mandy 18th Jo’s performance secured her 1st Veteran.
The commanding team presence of the Cambridge University Ladies Team secured them 1st place with 10 points, Eastern Counties were 2nd with 15 points and the RAF Ladies 3rd, with 40 points.
In the Men’s race both the University and Eastern Teams provided a considerable number of athletes. An old friend of the RAF’s appeared in the Eastern Team; former Oxford University student Ian Kimpton presented himself in Eastern Colours. The presence of Ian and a number of other Eastern runners indicated that this year they were determined to put on a good show. Cambridge was also well represented and a large number of young students toed the line. The RAF presented a Team that contained many veteran runners. However, we were still hopeful that Cpl Steve Frear (RAF Benson) might be able to position himself well within the field. Within half a mile of the start Ian Kimpton made his intentions clear and took on the lead. However, Steve and a number of Cambridge and Eastern runners kept close order. Further down the field, feeling his age, Wg Cdr Dave Cole (RAF High Wycombe) was trying to be inspired by running with athletes at least half his age! Keeping close order on Dave was SAC Oz Ellis (RAF Benson), whose recent form has been great to see, with him elevating his standing within the RAF Team considerably. As side Oz will shortly compete in the Cyprus Challenge and given his recent performances is likely to be very well placed in the event. Further down the field, Sqn Ldr Simon Bell (RAF High Wycombe), Flt Lt Carl Thompson (RAF Brize Norton), Sqn Ldr Chris Reeson (RAF Brize Norton), Cpl Dan Parry (RAF High Wycombe), Sgt Richie Parkins (RAF High Wycombe), WO Steve Langley (RAF Honington), Gp Capt John Lawlor (RAFC Cranwell) and special appearance Chairman of RAFAA Air Cdre Richard Gammage (RAF High Wycombe) made up the rest of the RAF Team.
As the race progressed it became clear that the Eastern Team were in a commanding position and Ian took 1st place easily and Matt Grant of Cambridge 2nd. However, in a brilliant battle Steve Frear secured 3rd place. Having to rely on too many veterans the RAF Team could only finish in 3rd place. Dave Cole’s efforts also paid off with him taking 1st Veteran – perhaps not too difficult given the age of the Cambridge Runners! Final team points were Eastern Counties 35, Cambridge University 61 and the RAF 108.
Despite the weak team performances the 3rd place of Steve Frear and Jo Roe and Dave Cole securing the Veterans prizes was some consolation.
At the presentation Air Cdre Richard Gammage congratulated all the competitors and also made special mention to the Home for Sport staff at RAF Halton, Match Officials and to Sqn Ldr Simon Bell for all his arrangements in making the event a success. Both Cambridge University and Eastern Counties made special mention of the warm welcome, high standard of organisation and the fact that they looked forward to returning in the future.