2024 Coad Cup

At the recent Baker Cup prizegiving supper, it didn’t escape the notice of many that there was quite an inordinate amount of silverware held by our club. Silverware both new and old, and in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Truly a grand legacy for us to hold on to for future generations of members.

Now in and amongst the many variations of award is the slightly unassuming tall-ish chalice known as the Coad Cup. In 1947, this elegant trophy was presented to the club by one SE Coad Esq; the cup itself had been won by his brother WH Coad in a 5 mile steeplechase in 1883. To further complicate its provenance, the cup had first been won by Frank Wynne Esq in 1882.

Upon donation, a wish was expressed that it should be competed for in a 5 mile cross-country race; and the committee at the time decided, in view of the increased popularity of summer cross-country running, that the race should be held annually in the month of June.

So, 77 years later, 5 days before June 2024, a mob of 67 Rane-lights gathered to compete for this wonderful piece of club history. Thankfully, the miserable mizzle emanating from steel grey skies had ceased somewhat, offering a respite from the distinctly un-summer like conditions.

5 miles in today’s money meant 1 lap of the course that is the Page-Clutton-Coad trinity; a ‘lovely’ undulating run starting at Sidmouth Woods, down Queen’s Ride, around the ballet school, over Spankers Hill Wood, through Pen Ponds, across the fern & bracken of Pond Slade, before turning right by White Ash Lodge, into Queen Elizabeth’s Plantation and back round Sidmouth Woods again.

30 mins from the 7pm race start saw everyone set off; the honour of scratch given to young Peter Cook. The increasingly cool weather meant a slightly uncomfortable wait for the timekeepers; although ironically it yielded fantastic conditions for the runners.

Soon enough the cry ‘RUNNER’ went up and lo and behold, from afar, running for all his life’s worth was one John Herriot. But victory was not assured; as hot on his heels was Felix von Schubert, who sprinted confidently to overtake John and claim the Coad Cup in a race time of 39:13.

Second across the line was John (52:48), followed by a return to (some-semblance-of) form, Gordon Whitson (57:24). Soon after the first 3 had crossed the line, the horde returned; at first in a trickle, then as testament to the might of our club’s handicapper skill, seconds apart.

This, as well as the torrential downpour, proved a real challenge to the timekeepers but in the end, the results were produced, and a damp prize-giving took place. Fastest 3 ladies were Suzy Whatmough (31:55), Cecily Day (33:01) and Molly Riglin (33:42). Fastest 3 open were Peter Cook (27:30), James Whistler (29:35) and Gareth Williams (30:04).

Well done to everyone who participated. A huge shout out & greatest appreciation to all the marshals & volunteers – as always, without your help, nothing would be possible.

Race report by Narissa Vox (Race Director)
Photo credit: Ric Motti

💙 Finishing Order: CoadCup2024.RESULTS.FinishingOrder.pdf
💛 Speed Order: CoadCup2024.RESULTS.SpeedOrder.pdf
💙 Fastest 3: CoadCup2024.RESULTS.Fastest3s.pdf