Almost ninety Ranelagh Harriers turned out on a sultry summer evening for the club’s annual five miles handicap race in Richmond Park for the Coad Cup.

Among them were a substantial number of new members, which gave the overworked handicapper a tricky task to ensure everyone was given a fair starting position.

First away, with a start of 29 minutes 50 seconds was Gill Clay-Jones, and within a few minutes runners were setting off every few seconds for the one lap undulating circuit in the centre of the Park. Last away, on a mark of 1 minute 20 seconds. was Jonathon Stacey.

Clay-Jones held on to her lead for much of the way but as she entered the final mostly uphill mile her pursuers were bearing down on her.

Leading them was Deborah Blakemore, who had received a start of 26 minutes 20 seconds.

Blakemore was on her way to a personal best on the course by some five minutes, and having taken the lead she was never threatened. She crossed the line a well-deserved winner in a time of 47.35, over a minute clear of the rest.

Second and third to finish were two new members, Emma Short and Alan Wilkinson, who were competing as guests, so the silver and bronze medals went to Michael Brandon, who recorded 47.34, and teenager Hannah Turnes, who ran 43.49.

Last starter Jonathon Stacey worked his way through to 40th place with a time of 27.57, but his performance was eclipsed by the man who had started 10 seconds ahead of him.

This was Peter Haarer, in his first race since February owing to injury. Haarer showed an impressive turn of speed in carving his way through to 14th place with a time of 26.35. Third fastest, finishing in 8th place, was Alyn Morgan on 28.18.

Fastest woman was Marie Synnott-Wells who finished in 22nd place with 32.25. Emma Tomlinson, 33.09, and Bonnie Webster, 33.32, were next best.