A last minute change of plan was required after the hon. handicapper found workmen replacing some lock gates, blocking off a section of the canal towpath.  So an alternative ‘Out and Back” 5 mile route was devised, reversing the original route to the canal, then turning towards Shipley for a half mile or so, with Ian setting off early and using his garmin to mark the turn round point.

Guest runner Richard Bell finished first but running his first handicap race for the club, Mark overtook everyone except Richard to take the maximum points, ahead of Kath and Phil.  Ian timing himself, was later slotted into 4th.

Phil retains his lead in the Eric Smith Handicap table on 58 points ahead of Ursula on 49 and Kath on 45.  See full handicap table here.

Thanks to Ian & Jack for marking the route and an out of action Tom Hannah for directing folk off the main road.  Next month’s race is the popular Fewston Handicap on Tues. 25th, so there should be big points on offer to close the gap on the current leaders.