Baker Cup · 2026

Steeped in club history, the Baker Cup dates back to 1911, following its presentation in 1910 by Fred W Baker - later Club President and one of Ranelagh’s longest-serving members. While the cup itself has endured for well over a century, the course has evolved with the times: from Middle Road, to Ham Common, and most recently the Ballet School loop.

But as with all good Ranelagh traditions, nothing stays still for long. In 2026, the course moved on once again - the Ballet School loop consigned to the list of former courses to make way for a new route, and a fresh chapter in the story of this much-loved handicap.

Under clear blue skies and on bone-dry ground, there were some last-minute adaptations, including some creative thinking by the race directors about where exactly the finish line should be. The sunshine had drawn out the usual variety of park users; walkers, cyclists, dogs and on this course, horses. Negotiating it required not just speed, but awareness, agility and the occasional well-timed swerve.

Eventually all 30 athletes collected their numbers and stood ready by the start - offering the usual howls of derision at the handicapper’s (il)logical reasoning. It was a brilliant turnout across the full breadth of the club, with Deborah Blakemore first off, gamely carrying all of Inter 3’s hopes. Minute by minute, name by name, runners set off at their allotted times, with Shaun Griffith holding the honour of being scratch.

From the outset, the racing was intense, with everyone giving it their all. Nowhere more so than at the sharp end, where Mark Herbert, Ben Hurley and James Riley tore off like a brace of greyhounds; Mark setting a relentless early pace, leaving the others no choice but to keep pace.

Shaun, meanwhile, seemingly unfamiliar with the responsibilities of being scratch, opted for his own unique handicap. Arriving three minutes late, he took his time getting changed before eventually setting off; reportedly with three pre-race pints on board. A bold approach to race preparation, and perhaps the closest the Baker Cup has come to a “beer mile.”

As the field came through to begin the second lap, the effort began to tell. Early starters dug deep to hold their positions, fending off the charging pack behind. There were strong runs across the board and a real sense of shared endeavour, but as ever, in a race like this, it’s the handicaps that tell the real story.

Judging his handicap to perfection, Liam Pollock crossed in 25:48, making the most of his start to hold off a fast-closing field. As a guest, however, he’ll need to complete two more events before being eligible to take home any silverware. The wait for our winner continued.

Almost two minutes later, Chris Hunton (24:16) came skittering round the final sharp bend and hurtled across the line. He claimed his second handicap win of the season, adding the Baker Cup to the Thomas already sitting on his mantlepiece. Not long after, Katherine Mercer (23:51) finished strongly to take second place, followed by the ever-quick Sarah Carnwath (22:37) in third. Congratulations to all our winners.

The rest of the field streamed in close behind, with less than four minutes separating the first 20 finishers - testament to some excellent handicapping.

Shout out to the fastest 3 ladies; Sarah Carnwarth, Clare Fowler (22:59) and Claire Warner (23:50). Mark’s early intent was reflected in the Open speed standings, he clocked the fastest time of the day (18:34 & new course record!), closely followed by Ben (18:40); Olaf Wasternack and James Riley sharing third fastest (18:49).

Huge thanks to all the race officials, marshals & volunteers for their unwavering support & commitment to making the event happen. It was a fantastic club day out - fast, fun, slightly chaotic, and full of the spirit that makes these events so special.

Race report by Narissa Vox
Photos by Stephen Hird

💙 Finishing Order:Ranelagh.Baker2026.FinishingOrder.pdf
💛 Speed Order: Ranelagh.Baker2026.SpeedOrder.pdf
💙 Fastest 3:Ranelagh.Baker2026.Fastest3s.pdf