The Lions Summer Handicap event took on a different look this year. The usual process of being shown a route, guessing how far it is and how fast (or slow) you can run it, surrendering your GPS/timing device and then running off at some random pace that is usually nowhere near what you think, was thrown out by the Covid lockdown restrictions.
Instead, the boffins at the club chose a delightful little route (The Helen Windsor 10k race route), turned it around, added on few hundred metres, and made us run it as quickly as possible. Not so delightful anymore! Although the views around Norland made up for it.
Every member was given a handicap time that was (supposedly) an indication of form and 10k ability, and away we went. Then simply add the handicap time (or minus) to your actual run time. The idea being that everyone would be somewhere around 60 minutes.
There were a few grumblings about some of the handicap allowances, most people thought theirs was way too harsh and everyone elses was way too lenient. Nethertheless, 72 Lions had a crack at it, some sadists even did it more than once to try and improve their time.
After a weeks fierce competition where everyone thought Will Rushworth was unbeatable and despite Danny Stafford putting in a valiant second attempt to claim the win, Ben Carter quietly cruised round Norland Moor in a winning time of 54:03 to claim the trophy.
A huge congratulations to Ben who will receive his trophy at next year’s annual dinner.
Will this format make its way into next year’s Handicap event? Who knows, but a few inquests into people’s handicap times might be requested, or a VAR inquest mid event! Either way, great fun was had by all.