As you will have noted in the Highlights report of the 2026 AGM itself, the Bill Jackson Trophy is to be renamed after the late Julian Hopkins.

Dave Evans reports:

In a balmy temperature of 10 degrees and nil wind this year’s race set off on the right foot. With a number of club members sidelined with injury and illness there was no shortage of helpers on course and a cluster of recorders at the finish.

It was clear before the start that there were probably 3 to fight out the “medals” and on this out and back course plenty of time to view your fellow participants.

As the timekeepers reflected on who should arrive in sight first the walking style of the leader on the horizon gave the game away. Sean Goldsmith was ahead of the 10 man field breaking his personal best over the 5k by over a minute.

Short distance specialist Tony Bell, last year’s winner, maintained his runner up spot with Adrian Edwards and Martin Payne fighting out the next position . Adrian’s experience told but it was a close thing. All credit to Martin whose last race was a 50 miler ! The remaining finishers walked well but being a distance apart did not feel the pressure of a closer encounter.

SCRATCH

1. Sean Goldsmith 31 mins 17
2. Tony Bell 32 mins 36
3. Adrian Edwards 33 mins 07
4. Martin Payne 33 mins 08
5. Greg Smith 36 mins 41
6. Sailash Shah 37 mins 31
7. Glyn Jones 37 mins 55
8. Joe Hardy 38 mins 34
9. Phil McCullagh 40 mins 35
10. Steve Wilde 40 mins 35

HANDICAP

1. Sean Goldsmith 30 mins 47
2. Adrian Edwards 31 mins 22
3. Martin Payne 31 mins 23
4. Tony Bell 32 mins 36
5. Sailash Shah 32 mins 41
6. Glyn Jones 32 mins 55
7. Joe Hardy 33 mins 04
8. Greg Smith 34 mins 41
9. Phil McCullagh 36 mins 20
10. Steve Wilde 36 mins 50

AGE-GRADED

1. Glyn Jones 81.01%
2. Joe Hardy 77.01%
3. Martin Payne 72.12%
4. Greg Smith 71.88%
5. Tony Bell 70.95%
6. Adrian Edwards 70.59%
7. Steven Wilde 63.29%
8. Phil McCullagh 60.97%
9. Sailash Shaw 60.39%
10. Sean Goldsmith 57.41%

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