The Club 5 mile handicap race - 27/10/2024

The club uses a 5 mile out and back route from Shephalbury Park. It is a mildly undulating, fast route using the cycleways. 

How does a handicap run work? In a handicap, each runner is given a target time to complete the 5 mile route in. This time is based on the runners current form. Information from training and recent races will be used to calculate the target. Runners are then put in to a ranking order based on those target times with the slowest runner first. Each runner is then set off in that order with start times based on the handicap time given to each runner. If all runners complete the 5 mile in the target times given, they will all finish together! The winner of a 5 mile handicap race is the runner who beats their target time by the greatest margin. 
 

Trophies will be awarded to the first three finishers, the fastest man and the fastest lady. All finishers will receive a medal.
 

The route

The route starts on the pathway adjacent to Shephalbury Park and directly opposite Shephall Green lane. Runners turn left on to Broadhall Way after approx 300m. They continue ahead following the same line of travel until they reach the Lamex stadium. Pass the stadium through the first (Boro!) underpass and bear right to go through the underpass that takes runners up the slope (on the right) into Fairlands Valley showground.  Run for approximately 1km to cross the Showground. Turn right down the hill and then left to go through the underpass. Turn left and then turn right to enter Fairlands Valley park. At this point runners will follow the Stevenage parkrun course on the pathways up to and through Angus corner. Left then right to pass the children’s play area. Turn right in front of the bin to follow the path down to the bridge. Cross it and turn right. Pass the cycling hub and cobbles and then turn right in front of the climb8ng tower to cross the bridge. Run ahead and turn left to the start of Stevenage parkrun. Continue ahead and stay on the lower path that follows the edge of the large lake. Follow the pathway as it bears right to go through the small wooded area. Continue ahead to pass through the underpass. Turn right and then retrace your steps to the football ground and then back to Shephalbury park.  Finish! 

2023 Handicap 5 mile club competition 

The club competition was held on 29th October 2023 with 24 members of the club racing annd a further 13 marshalling on the course. The course used was the route that had been accurately measured for the Phoenix 5.

In good running conditions Mark Legate won the handicap race with Ashley Bates second and Angela Goodwin third. The fastest lady was Colette Cooper and the fastest man was Ian Harvey. 

The 2024 club handicap 5 mile will be held on Sunday 27th October at 9am.

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