Clutton Cup · 2026

The Clutton rather belies its status as one of the oldest trophies in the Ranelagh Harriers cabinet. In appearance it is modest — diminutive even — especially when set alongside some of the grander silverware that our club holds.

Yet that understatement feels entirely fitting. The event has historically been rather under-subscribed, compared to our other handicaps and mobs; but certainly no less meaningful. First competed for in 1883, after it was presented by club president J. H. Clutton, even that inaugural contest attracted a modest field of just 20 runners.

In many ways, little has changed. Over the decades the Clutton has retained its reputation as the race that exists as familiar in name but selective in participation. It is a race people know of, speak about knowingly… and quietly hope someone else will run.

But this year was different. 33 runners had signed up — a remarkable show of intent indeed. Although by the time the field gathered by the manhole on Saturday 28 February, that number had quietly reduced to 27.

Perhaps, on reflection, the reality of the course had begun to sink in: the double laps, the mud, the long uphill grinds stretching away towards the horizon. A timely reminder that while the cup itself may be modest in stature, the race it represents most certainly is not.

After months of distinctly “character-building” winter fixtures, the runners were rewarded with bright blue skies, plus a slight winter chill to help cajole one along. Although this would be no gentle canter. With double the laps of the Page or Coad, runners knew they were signing up for a long tour of Richmond Park’s finest energy-sapping terrain.

Course markers reported conditions underfoot were satisfyingly soggy in places, and nowhere more so than the boggiest of bogs after the horse track, as runners trudged their way back up towards the rear of Sidmouth Woods. Certainly, there would be thrills, there would be spills and possibly there would also be moments of horizontal reflection.

The breadth of the field was such that there was 53+ minutes from the first of the mark (Narissa Vox) and scratch Peter Robins. This being a handicap however, there was method (we hope!) behind the madness of club handicapper Bruce McLaren - with everyone anticipated to finish within minutes of each other.

And so it was in the fullness of 10 miles when John Ricketts - making the most of his handicap - stormed through steadily to take first place, and the cup. Close on his heels, Rachel Revett produced a superbly judged run to secure second overall, while Graham Brook demonstrated impressive pace and determination to finish third — despite having set off as the 22nd starter.

The majority of the finishers to follow were tightly packed, with less than two minutes separating positions three to ten — testament to some canny handicapping and determined racing. Mark Herbert, Jonathan Smith, Claire Warner, Suzy Whatmough, Mike Thomas, Sam Davies and guest Cameron Thomas all battled hard across the churned ground, each navigating the terrain with varying degrees of grace.

Further back, there were notable performances throughout the field. Ted Mockett battled gamely against a stern handicap, while Ed Perry held his nerve to deliver a strong and measured run. Guest Susan Tesselaar showed admirable grit on her maiden outing, digging deep to hold on as long as she did, and Clare Day demonstrated real resilience in shaking off a heavy tumble to push through for a determined finish.

Ted Mockett gives us this flavour of the action from the field:

There weren’t too many runners waiting at the start of the Clutton Cup by the time I arrived, mainly because they’d already set off! Jonny Smith and I had the second-to-last start time with just Pete Robins behind as scratch man, albeit with a tricky handicap quite some minutes behind.

I put up no resistance against Jonny as my legs were still tired from last week’s HM, and he proceeded to fade into the distance. He was going so well I wondered if he might make it all the way to the front of the field!

It didn’t take long for Jonny to catch Ed Perry who’d started a minute ahead and I just had Ed’s figure ahead of me for the first lap. The turnaround point gives you a chance to see who’s ahead or behind. Fortunately for me, no sight of Pete Robins who was still trying to overcome his huge handicap.

I started to pass a few runners down Queens Ride, finally passing Ed round the back of the ballet school, before picking off a handful more by the time we got to Sidmouth Wood. It’s the sign of a well-handicapped race when the runners start to bunch-up towards the finish and it was here that I passed another half dozen or so, having to put in a sprint to make sure I caught James Ritchie before the finish.

I can’t remember a Clutton Cup when we had better weather than we did this year and which may or may not have contributed to the decent turn out.

From the back of the field, said Peter Robins, did indeed do well to overcome his huge handicap. Purposefully slicing through the field in pursuit, he clocked the quickest time of the day (59:02).

Closer to the end of the pack, Narissa Vox — by her own admission seriously questioning her life choices as she trudged round the edges of Sidmouth Wood — was encouraged home by a chivalrous Neil Rae, who motivated her across the line with a sprint finish.

As she approached, she was met by an arch of raised arms formed by the earlier finishers, a fitting welcome after ten testing miles. It was a small but telling moment that captured the essence of the day: whatever the mud, the mileage or the misery, our club spirit was present at every turn.

In time, everyone crossed the line — mud-splattered, weary and quietly delighted to have brought an afternoon of thoroughly Type II fun to a close. There followed the traditional mass migration back to the clubhouse, where Carol’s much-appreciated tea awaited; as Race Director Andy Bickerstaff and results guru Pete Vox crunched the numbers and confirmed the final standings.

The 3 fastest ladies were Suzy Whatmough (1:08:04), Claire Warner (1:22:16) and Rachel Revett (1:24:48). The 3 fastest open were Peter Robins (59:02), Jonathan Smith (1:00:49) and Graham Brook (1:03:13). The Clutton Cup and a gold medal, was awarded to John Ricketts (1:28:22), with Rachel Revett earned a silver medal for 2nd and Graham Brook a bronze medal for 3rd. Well done to all our runners.

As always, the biggest thanks to our wonderful marshals & volunteers - Phil Aiken, Phil Andrews, Sally Bamford, Carol Barnshaw, Andy Bickerstaff, Tony Clark, Jeremy Day, Karen Feeney, Jonathan Moore, Chris Read, Tom Reay, Maia Rushby, Greg Smith, James Stokes and Pete Vox - your support and smiles ensured a successful and fantastic event for all.

We end with these words from our 2026 winner, John Ricketts:

Having retired at the end of last year, 2026 has been a bit of a whirlwind. Determined to get fit I was back down to Ranelagh on 6 Jan for the first time in years. I saw tradition and change close up - still chasing the back of my old marathon training partner, Chris Owens, but now in an organised training group.

As is his way, my old Captain Bickerstaff convinced me to run a mob match on two weeks training! The only good thing was that my time was so slow I got a decent Clutton handicap. The Blackheath mob being my longest run this year, I entered the Clutton with some trepidation.

The first lap I couldn’t see anyone in front or hear anyone behind, so the only real decision I had was how to tackle the ‘splash’ at c. 3.75 miles. Seeing ‘splash’ as more of a THH thing, and heeding marshal Jeremy Day’s advice, I yomped around the side.

Running in to start the second lap, I finally caught sight of those ahead of me. A mile and a half later heading up to the Ballet School Road, I got to the front with encouragement from Narissa as I passed that ‘you can do this’. Seeing the encouraging Chris Read at Pen Ponds, and then Maia half a mile further on, it dawned on me that maybe I wouldn’t be overtaken if I kept going. The ‘splash’ safely negotiated again and a last mile effort got me over the line.

21 years since my last Clutton win, it’s amazing to see names like Sid Thomas, Harry Sheer, Chris Brasher, John Disley, Christian Vaughan, Mike Peace and Andy Bickerstaff on the plinth - and to have mine on it once again. It only took 21 years to get one over the handicapper but I’ll aim for third time lucky as a retirement Hobble Gobble project!

Race report by Narissa Vox
📸 by Jeremy Day

💙 Finishing Order: Ranelagh.Clutton2026.FinishingOrder.pdf
💛 Speed Order: Ranelagh.Clutton2026.SpeedOrder.pdf
💙 Fastest 3: Ranelagh.Clutton2026.Fastest3s.pdf