Coad Cup · 2025

In and amongst all the silverware held by our club is an unassuming chalice called the Coad Cup. It was presented in 1947 by one SE Coad; after it was won by his brother WH Coad in a 5-mile steeplechase in 1883. Previous to that, it was first won in 1882 by Frank Wynne, Ranelagh’s founder and inaugural club captain.

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.

Whether we’re being penalised by the weather gods for not holding it exactly during June, we shall never know but a read through last year’s race report showed that the weather then was equally as rubbish as this year, when 60+ Ranelaghs gathered on 27 May.

Steel grey skies, miserable mizzle and blustery wind. Summer? You bet.

The course was a singular lap of the Page-Clutton-Coad trinity; a scenic undulating run starting by Sidmouth Woods, down Queen’s Ride and around the ballet school, over Spankers Hill Wood and 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.

A surfeit of help meant there were marshals at every turn, complementing the marker flags and pretty much ensuring that no one would get lost.

However, what added that element of ‘spice’ was the unscientific, slightly trial-and-error handicapping method; said task having fallen to the race director as the club’s usual handicapper was racing around the Scottish mountains.

This meant some were happier than usual with the outcome; while others lamented their lack of benefit. As per his way, one D. Lawley was moved to declaim his position; to which the response given was along the lines of, ‘c'est la vie, mon ami’, as they say across the pond.

By 7.30pm, everyone, including scratch Gareth Hopkins, had been set off; the increasingly cool weather a boon for the runners with a quieter park, softer ground underfoot and little chance of over-heating.

Numbers & timekeepers however were not as impressed. In an effort to keep warm, genial chatter filled the air but eventually, the cry ‘RUNNER’ was issued, as not one, but two, and then THREE runners came round the final bend of Sidmouth Woods, racing intently to the finish by the manhole.

They gave it their all in the final yards, but crossing comfortably first was Paulo Ferreira (37:35), followed 8 secs later by Rebecca Bissell (39:03), and an oh-so-close 4 secs later in third, was Solene Pezot (48:07). But in a twist to the outcome, Paulo was a guest - which meant that the Coad Cup was claimed by Rebecca!

Congratulations to our first 3 finishers.

Soon after they had crossed the line, the horde returned in a flood, seconds apart; proving that there was at least some method to the random madness of the handicap(per). Kudos to the timekeepers and number takers who kept pace, clocking each runner as they came across.

Due to the miserable weather, the decision was made to decamp to the warmth of The Fox & Duck, where the results were produced over a pint and some pizza.

Fastest 3 ladies were Molly Riglin (33:26), Edel McKeever (36;12) and Lauren Robertson (38:54). Fastest 3 open were Gareth Hopkins (29:14), David Lawley (29:50) and David Ready (30:04). Well done to everyone who participated. The prize presentation will be held at the clubhouse next Tuesday.

A huge shout out & greatest of appreciation to all the marshals & volunteers – as always, without your help, none of our races would be possible.

Race report by Narissa Vox (Race Director)
Photo credit: Stephen Hird

💙 Finishing Order: CoadCup2025.RESULTS.FinishingOrder.pdf
💛 Speed Order: CoadCup2025.RESULTS.SpeedOrder.pdf
💙 Fastest 3: CoadCup2025.RESULTS.Fastest3s.pdf