Still running around in circles

It must be about 30 years since Western AC started their summer handicap runs around Peel. If I remember correctly, it followed the success of the Douglas Fireman's runs and the start of the Ramsey version. There had been talk of a third handicap series during the winter but instead of even more events in the winter, Western organised theirs in the summer. And the now defunct Southern AC started another summer handicap series - the Capital Travel 10km.

I didn't take part or attend for about  10 years and so if anyone wishes to correct my version of history then please do so. They were originally sponsored by Peel Commissioners and were held over a two lap "round the houses" course - four miles starting and finishing at the Town Hall. They moved in the mid nighties to the camp site but maintained the lung busting drag through Michael Street on each lap.

The course was varied when there were road works and eventually it moved for a few years to an out and back course along the Poortown Road. Next it moved to St Johns onto a 1.2 mile course (4 laps), last year it was increased to 10km (more than five laps) but this year it was back to four laps.

Since the early 90s I  have attended the majority of events as a parent, runner or photographer but last night was first competition there for a couple of years. And some things never change. There was definitely a lack of sweat on the faces of a few runners I saw finishing behind me whose form usually returns once the handicap marks have been set.

I was involved in one of the closest and (now I have stopped grunting my way around can say) enjoyable of those that I have taken part in. I was carrying an appropriate number 55 (my age) and with Richard Radcliffe 58 shortly and Andy Gosnell past the half century, my battle was a far cry from the under 9s race that started the evening. Adam Russell and Juan Kinley, who would have been in my sights at the finish had I kept my eyes open, are not exactly youngsters either but Ben Corkill, who finished second to Gianni Epifani, lowered the age profile slightly.

I'll feature some of the photos taken last night later in the day but after a short run this morning I have a day at our holiday cottage which includes the annual inspection for Isle of Man Tourism's grading system.