Clutton Cup · 2025

The Clutton Cup seems to belie its provenance as one of the oldest cups of our club; certainly in appearance, being somewhat dimunitive, unassuming even, compared to the grander trophies in the Ranelagh cupboard.

This, we feel, encapsulates prefectly the event that is the Clutton Cup handicap; flying slightly under the radar of our other handicaps and mob matches.

First competed for in 1883, after the cup was presented by club president JH Clutton, even then the field was small with only 20 runners. A pattern that has continued in the ensuing years, turning the Clutton into that race where many may know of it, yet few actually take part. In fact, the great Ken Powley reported on 19 March 2003:

'The Clutton took place on almost a summer's day. Turnout was only 19, but then that's been the average for the last four years. Not a popular race. Scratch man Andy Bickerstaff fairly scooted round in a very fast time. He overtook a very unfit Marcus before reaching Pen Ponds, despite starting two minutes behind him.... '

This year's event on 8 March was no different; with only 20 runners turning up to find out their handicaps. It was also very much a summer's day, with the sun high, clear skies and warm temperatures. Utterly wonderful marshalling weather but awful if one was running 10 cross-country miles.

Different Marcus though. 2025's Marcus proved to be quite fit in the end, but we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves here.

In an unconscious nod to International Women's Day, Andy Bickerstaff had passed the race directing mantle to Narissa Vox, who set the field off at their alloted times. Ruth Gledhill led the pack, with scratch Jonny Smith some 37 minutes later, bringing up the rear of the Advanced 1 love-fest that was Rick Jenner, Ed Perry and James Riley.

The course is not for the faint hearted; down Queen’s Ride, up and around the Ballet School, onwards round Spankers Hill Woods, down to Pen Ponds, back up again towards the side of Isabella, before following the horse track to loop anti-clockwise round Sidmouth Woods, back to the venerated manhole.

Only to be told to turn around and do it ALL again.

The sun was a delight for the marshals & volunteers; less so for the runners slogging out there. First to the manhole was a very fit Marcus Atkins; resolutely shrugging off his 11:30 minute handicap. A quick swig at the impromptu hydration station and off he went round again.

Second to the manhole less than a minute later was Yann Bonduelle, who'd had a fabulous Clutton effort in 2024. Making the most of his hydration stop, he was joined by John Tovell. Yann eventually set off but John ended his Clutton right there, the heat and an unforseen tumble early on proving too much in the end.

Fourth to swing round was Clare Day; she paused, she swigged, she sighed and determinedly went. One by one the entire field came through; all lamenting the heat but all setting doggedly off, although Simon Hedger turned back 200 metres later. Another Clutton casualty, or perhaps he'd just had enough of Mike Peace's warbling.

At the scratch end, there was a 3-way catch-me-if-you-can battle between Ed Perry, James Riley and Jonny Smith. Ed running hard to keep Riley from overtaking; who in turn was running hard to keep Jonny from catching him. As they looped round, there was 55 seconds between Ed and James, and a scant 28 seconds between Riley and Jonny. Could they hold off Jonny, who was clearly locked-in and giving chase?

Lots can happen over 8km, and only in the fullness of time would the race eventually play out. And so it was to the cry 'RUNNER', Marcus was eventually seen coming round the bend. Would he be the first to cross the line? But wait, not far behind him, a flash of dark blue with go-faster stripes – who was it?

It was Jonny Smith! Would he be able to channel his inner sprinting cheetah and repeat his 2024 mad dash for the finish, to take the Clutton (again!)? Jonny gave chase but sadly, it was for naught. Marcus pumped that titanium arm of his, generating some much needed pace to make it safely across the line, for a well deserved win to take home the Clutton Cup.

Third to cross the line was Rick Jenner, and after everyone came back safely to the manhole, there was an en masse troop back to the clubhouse to be feted by Carol’s much-appreciated tea. Reluctant to miss out on all the fun, Andy Bickerstaff joined results guru Pete Vox to crunch the numbers.

The 3 fastest ladies were Edel McKeever (1:17:03), Clare Day (1:30:47) and Ruth Geldhill (1:56:47). The 3 fastest open times were Jonny Smith (59:53), James Riley (1:03:31) and Ed Perry (1:04:03). The Clutton Cup and a gold medal, was awarded to Marcus Atkins (1:23:53), with Jonny Smith taking silver in 2nd and Rick Jenner (1:07:05) taking bronze in 3rd.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Clutton a success; a Ranelagh tradition that continues to be kept alive only by the exceptional efforts of our volunteers.

Spare a thought for Chris Wyatt, who had this to say from his marshal point by Pen Ponds carpark, 'I think everyone's gone through and I think I’ve counted 16. But with all the people asking me where the toilets are, and where to catch the bus to Putney, I may have lost count!'

We end with a final word from Clare Day, our 2nd fastest lady:

After a winter of cold and muddy cross country races, the weather couldn’t have been nicer for the 2025 Clutton Cup. If anything, a little too warm. Having received my handicap on Friday, I realised that a win was very unlikely. But a medal was certain as only three ladies were on the start list. I just needed to get round. 

The new kit looked splendid as we gathered in the sunshine and discussed the merits of the new shorts, and was the training top white or blue? I set out 9 minutes after Ruth, following John off the blocks with Mike Peace alongside me. Mike charged ahead down Queen’s Ride and I concentrated on keeping John in my sights and trying to maintain a steady pace. The lovely marshals all helped to keep my spirits up.

Just before the Isabella turn, where Maia stood cheering, I caught up with Mike. But soon after that Marcus came storming past, looking very strong. There were a few boggy patches to navigate on the return up to Sidmouth, and as usual I couldn’t believe how long it took to get around the edge of the wood. 

It is always hard to start the second lap - do I have to do it all again? But after a quick sip of water I was off! Now in second place, I plodded onwards. I didn’t see many other runners on the return to the top of Queen’s Ride, so felt quite optimistic.

However, my lack of long-distance running started to show as my legs got increasingly tired and my hamstring started twinging. I held out until the Isabella turn again. But then, on the return to Sidmouth Wood, a stream of men ran past me.

I staggered on to the end to claim my silver medal! My first medal ever, and somehow the fact that it was International Women’s Day made it feel even better. Back to the clubhouse for the usual tea, buns and debrief. Thank you to the organisers, marshals, tea makers and fellow runners. 

Race report & photo by Narissa Vox

💙 Finishing Order: Ranelagh.Clutton2025.FinishingOrder.pdf
💛 Speed Order: Ranelagh.Clutton2025.SpeedOrder.pdf
💙 Fastest 3: Ranelagh.Clutton2025.Fastest3s.pdf