Photo by Mike
@148th HQ - 22nd March
We were to organise this again, last year seems to have been a success. However we have doubled the length of the course as it was all over a bit quickly last year. Another lap had been added.
Unlike previous years the teams from each Pack were not restricted to a set number but only the first four from any Pack would be counted.
The course was laid out at far-too-early-for-a-Saturday by Akela, Baloo, Hathi, Shaun and Mike. A full colour plan was draw up by the grand master of the race (Akela A) and this was explained to the Cubs. The 'going' was said to be "firm to boggy."
Hathi took eight volunteers down the hill to act as marshals. They were to point the Cubs the right way, help with first aid, and to be judges of fact to make sure that short cuts were not made. There was barely enough time to get into position before the Cubs were released.
The weather was sunny and warmish (thanks Akela aka sungod) but with a gentle breeze. Good weather for running apparently. The Cubs seemed to enjoy the fact that they were running two laps, difficult to make out what it was they were saying as many did not have spare breath but the mumbling sounded encouraging.
As they passed the far side of the second lap, Dan from the 148th was a very close second, with Shaun only a few places behind. The rest of our team, Alice, Sammy, Bradley and Mike were only a little bit behind. Mike decided that being a reporter rather than a runner was a good career move and with Hathi's camera set out to record some of the action.
Photo by Mike
The 'fun run' was not well supported this year but the people that ran it seemed to enjoy it so we are glad they did.
The runner from the Saint Anne's Pack who was their sole representative was awarded a special Sportsman Award. Dan finished second and Shaun was fourth, a big effort by him on the hill made up a few places.
The team awards were:-
3rd - 21st with a score of 48
2nd - 148th (W) with a score of 46
1st - 256th with a remarkable score of 27.
Congratulations to them and thanks to:-
Simon and Andy (Akela 148 Wednesday) for organising the 'fun'. The refreshments were provided by Debbie (Akela 148 Tuesday), Kaa and Baloo so a big thank-you to them. Thanks to the marshals who gave up their time to help, they certainly did not expect to be stood out in a field in the sunshine when they turned up with their Cubs.
Perhaps three laps next year?