2025 Page Cup

In the pages of The First 125 Years of Ranelagh Harriers 1881–2006 (by Ron Dassett Callis & Steve Rowland), there’s a throwaway gem about the birth of the Page Cup. It first surfaced on 19 January 1884, when W.C. Page — genial landlord of the Fox and Hounds, Putney — donated a “handsome silver cup” to be awarded in the Five Miles Members’ Handicap.

Whether this was an act of pure benevolence or a cunning bit of Victorian marketing, we can only speculate. But seeing as the Fox and Hounds was a brisk 15-minute downhill stroll from Ranelagh’s then-HQ, The Green Man, it’s safe to assume the trophy bought Mr Page a steady stream of thirsty athletes.

Once at said pub, our forebears enjoyed a distinctly Victorian affair; the post race “teas and smoking concert” - imagine if you will a haze of cigar smoke, some spirited political debate, and a live fiddle tune or two. Our ancestors clearly had their priorities sorted - run first, revel later. In that respect, 1884 doesn’t feel so very different from 2025.

The sad twist in the tale is that the original Page Cup vanished in 1976, lifted by persons unknown along with a few other shiny bits of silverware. Thankfully, insurance covered a replacement, dutifully engraved with the names of all past winners — and it’s that cup we still run for today.

Due to licencing issues, 2024’s Page Cup was held in February 2025, but in an effort to re-align our fixtures calendar, 2025’s event was held a wee bit earlier than the usual October date; on 20 September. Which meant head-high bracken, bone dry conditions and balmy late summer temperatures. Perfect cross country conditions? Hmmm….

Still, 27 Ranelaghs toed the start manhole to take on the 5 mile route; the honour of first runner to the lovely Jackie Dunkley and the task of scratch to Gareth Hopkins.

After everyone had been set off by Race Director Andy Bickerstaff, the race officials settled down to enjoy a warm bask and some genial chit chat. There was some banter around who would be the first around the Sidmouth Woods bend; Ranelagh’s handicaps being notoriously hard to predict. But as always, all would be made clear in due course.

And so it was; to a huge cheer from all waiting at the finish line, the graceful figure of Jackie Dunkley appeared, running doggedly for the finish line. But wait, coming strongly round the bend, the determined form of Rachel Revett - unstoppable in her mission to claim the Page Cup!

Jackie (55:20) was no match for the formidable Rachel (41:25), who overtook her metres from the finish but with 2 seconds to spare, she held off a strong challenge from Collette Doran (45:32) to take 2nd place! Well done to our top 3 finishers.

Providing some evidence that our club handicapper, Bruce McLaren is either a, a feminist or b, out to shaft our male runners; 4th & 5th place also went to members of the fairer sex - Clare Day (41:54) and Wiebke Kortum (41:15). Well done to our ladies; and thank you to Bruce.

The remaining field came in swiftly thereafter; the fastest 3 ladies were Aoife Kilpatrick (34:31), Wiebke Kortum (41:15) and Rachel Revett (41:25), whilst the fastest open were Gareth Hopkins (28:18), Marc ‘he’s back/cack’ Leyshon (28:45) and Sam Davies (31:49). Well done to all the runners who participated.

Straight after, everyone trooped back to the clubhouse for a much needed tea, the results & prize-giving. In a fitting nod to our club’s history, the prizes were awarded by none other than Ranelagh’s unparalled statistician and former handicapper; Ken Powley - the Page having been his first club race some 40+ years ago.

In closing, a huge thank you to all our event volunteers & supporters - Chloe Dobbs, Lisa Gejrot, Maia Rushby, Penny Merrett, Rebecca Bissell, Sally Minchella, Sonia Rowland, Sue Camp, Andy Bickerstaff, Chris Hunton, John Cadogan, Ken Powley, Mark Herbert, Phil Andrews and Steve Rowland.

Without your support, none of our events would be possible.

Race report by Narissa Vox

💙 Finishing Order: Ranelagh.PageCup2025.FinishingOrder.pdf
💛 Speed Order: Ranelagh.PageCup2025.SpeedOrder.pdf
💙 Fastest 3: Ranelagh.PageCup2025.Fastest3s.pdf

📸 by Phil Andrews