Fun runners notch serious success for Chichester

Competing in the aptly-named Steepdown Challenge, the 250-strong field had to tackle some of the steepest gradients of the whole season.

After his stunning 20-mile victory the week before, James Baker led the race home in 25min 53sec for the five-mile course nearly two minutes ahead of his nearest challenger.

On a slightly-changed course from the last time Baker ran in the event, the Chichester athlete was pleased to retake the course record, his second such achievement in successive weeks.

Close behind was John Leonard with his best run of the year in fifth followed by two of the club’s top veterans Kevin McGreal and Tony Roddis, 18th and 19th respectively.

Added to these four, who all gained a maximum ten bonus points by finishing inside the top 20, was Fay Cripps, whose 40th place made her third lady home. Just in front was James Woodward in 30th. His nine bonus points plus finishing points from the rest of the squad resulted in a team total of 83 from a maximum 85 on offer.

This keeps Chichester firmly in contention in the top five in the 17-team league and on course to equal their best finish.

Seven others made the top 100. Kevin Lockyear led the group home in 57th followed by Terry Healy (71st), Tony Cooley (73rd), Angus Farrelly (75th), Dave Reading (76th), Kevin Batt (89th) and John Betts (99th). The rest of the Chichester squad were Mike Moorcroft (103rd), Jane Leonard (110th – 15th lady), Tracy Jayant (125th - 21st lady), Nigel Mcnestrie (134th), Roger Hobbs (141st), Robert Sawers (144th), Catherine Betts (155th – 34th lady), Peter Shaw (158th), Sue Baker (163rd – 38th lady) and Dave Grunwell (206th).