The provenance of the Thomas Cup goes back almost as far as our club itself. It’s named after Sid Thomas, one of Ranelagh’s greatest runners, who set multiple world records in his time.

In May 1889, Sid raced Will Parry of Salford Harriers over 10 miles at Old Trafford in Manchester. Parry was the hot favourite, but Sid — “cool as a cucumber” according to Sporting Life — had other ideas. After a steady start, he made his move just before three miles.

Parry tried to respond but was soon overcome by a stitch, leaving Sid to cruise home in 54 minutes 55 seconds and claim a silver cup worth £25.

A year later, Sid generously presented that very cup to our club, and in 1891 it became the prize we still race for today.

Thanks to the work of our distinguished former E-News editor, Steve Rowland, you can read a more detailed description of this race, with a fascinating glimpse into its origins, in last year’s race report >

This year’s event was made extra special by a presentation honouring some of Ranelagh’s stalwarts for their outstanding contributions to the club: Bill “Dicky” Bird, Alan Hedger, Allan Lang, Rodney Oliver, Steve Rowland and Sonia Rowland. Sadly, one recipient, Peter Bull, was unable to be there on the day.

The 3 line whip-like members’ callout ensured a good turnout for the start of the race - in all, 57 runners turned up at the manhole at Sidmouth Woods ready to be set off by Race Director Andy Bickerstaff.

The honour of starting went to Allan Lang, Ranelagh’s dominant octogenarian (besides David Kew), while the mantle of scratch went to Marc ‘still on my comeback’ Leyshon. A scant 30 mins 10 secs separated the two.

The weather was glorious; sunny and warm, with nary a cloud in the sky. Ideal if you were marshalling or spectating but utterly atrocious if you were racing 3.85 miles across Richmond Park.

Our awardees had turned up ahead of time to cheer on our runners - once everyone was underway, their deck chairs were repositioned closer to the finish line - Bill Bird, cane in hand, staunchly leading the way. The better, as he put it, to see the agony on faces as everyone staggered up the final climb. He’d clearly had experience of running this race before.

Some 20 minutes passed. Anticipation was high as to who would crest the rise first; handicaps being what they are, it really was anyone’s race and with so many returning runners, it was hard to predict.

Would Allan Lang make the most of his experience and knowledge of the course; and stride his way to victory? Would Andy Hayward, returning after decades away, pull off the run of his life? Or would Julian Smith cross the line in a thoroughbred horse-like blaze of glory?

Then there was the amazing on-form Aoife Kilpatrick. Not to be discounted either was Clare Fowler, making her comeback from injury. As with all things Ranelagh, all would be made clear in due course.

And so it was; to a huge cheer from all waiting at the finish line, the fine figure of Chris Hunton came lumbering up the rise. In pain clearly, but determined to keep going.

To those not familiar, that finish is so deceptive - it doesn’t look far but the inexorable climb all the way from Pen Ponds exerts a toll on the hardiest of legs. So by the time one comes to that last 500 feet, one’s legs are pretty much like lead.

Chris gave it his all and crossed the line in 32:21 to deservedly claim the 2025 Thomas Cup! Some 45s later, Clare Fowler (28:47) breezed through to claim 2nd place, with Rebecca Bissell (30:43) taking 3rd place some 50s later. Congratulations to our top 3 finishers.

Thereafter, the officials barely had time to look up as one by one the remainder of the field came through, proving once again the skill and experience of our club handicapper Bruce McLaren.

As seems to be his wont, Clive Naish proved that there was still drama to be had towards the end; repeating his 2024 (slow-motion) sprint to the finish once again. This time his ‘adversary’ was the strapping and infinitely more hirsute Mike White. A proverbial David and Goliath battle ensued as each inched (literally) toward the line.

In the end, age succumbed to beauty as Mike pipped Clive to finish a second before him. Truly thrilling stuff.

The fastest 3 ladies were Lizzie Broughton (25:22), Lucy Urbas (26:06) and Aoife Kilpatrick (26:46), whilst the fastest open were Marc ‘he’s back’ Leyshon (22:11), Ben Hurley (23:00) and Jonathan Moore (23:48).

Well done to all the runners who participated - a truly fantastic effort and brilliant running from all.

Straight after, everyone trooped back to the clubhouse for the club photo, and to be feted with burgers, sausages and much more by braai chef extraordinaire, Gavin Hillhouse.

It was a veritable sea of blue and amber as everyone gathered to witness Madam Mayor of Richmond Councillor Penny Frost, assisted by our captains Jonny Smith and Aoife Kilpatrick, present long-service awards to six of the club’s most dedicated members, some of whom first pulled on Ranelagh vests as teenagers more than 70 years ago.

Speaking at the presentation, Mayor Frost said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me to step foot in a part of the ward that I’d never previously been to, and one that is full of history – and what a history! As a former runner myself I’m delighted to help Ranelagh celebrate some of its longest serving members.”

First to be awarded was Bill ‘Dicky’ Bird, who joined in 1950 aged 15 and went on to win eight club championships and set a solo Pennine Way record in 1971. Next was fellow recipient Alan Hedger, a member since 1951, who’d served as Club President and was also part of the founding team behind the original parkrun.

Others recognised included Rodney Oliver (68 years’ membership), Allan Lang (66 years’ membership, and still competing), as well as Steve Rowland, 60 years a dedicated club runner, organiser, and long-time E-News editor.

Last but not least, an award was presented to Sonia Rowland, a pioneer of women’s distance running at Ranelagh and a founding member of our women’s section in 1982.

Then followed the Thomas Cup prize-giving, with club president Maia Rushby handing out the medals to the fastest 3s; assisted by Andy Bickerstaff.

Fittingly the Thomas Cup was presented to Chris Hunton by none other than Bill Bird. Anecdotedly Bill’s favourite club race is in fact the Thomas, especially when running from scratch.

Bill’s short closing speech was poignant, reminding us of the rich traditions and lasting legacy of our club. He recalled his first Thomas Cup in 1950, when Fred W. Baker, club president from 1912 to 1920, entrusted him with carrying the mantle of the next generation of Ranelagh Harriers.

Now, Bill passed that same mantle on to our youngest members, telling them he carried 144 years of history on his shoulders and expressing his hope that they would carry it proudly for the next 144 years and beyond.

In closing, a huge thank you to all our event volunteers - Ally Salisbury, Cecily Day, Ellie Lawley, Maia Rushby, Sue Camp, Dave Lawley, Ed Perry, Gordon Whitson, John Herriot, John Tovell, Mark Herbert, Phil Aiken, Ric Motti, Richard Willoughby, Sam Riley and Tony Clark.

An extra HUGE shout out to our award organising team - Carol Aiken, Aoife Kilpatrick, Maia Rushby, Rebecca Bissell, Ed Perry, James Riley, Jonny Smith and Stephen Hird - and especially to our BBQ setup crew - Sue Camp, Gavin Hillhouse and Hadi Khatazimadeh for the fabulous spread put on for all to enjoy.

Rah Rah Rah Ranelagh 💙💛

Race report by Narissa Vox, Race Director/Official
📸 Stephen Hird, Ric Motti & Simon Hedger