2026 Thomas Cup

Report

29 Sept

Some afternoons remind you just how lovely it is to be part of Ranelagh Harriers. Our opening fixture of the 2026/2027 season, the Thomas Cup Handicap on Saturday 26 September, was certainly one of them.

With the sun shining over Richmond Park, the day had a little bit of everything: good racing, friendly rivalry, familiar faces, new friendships and plenty of time together afterwards. Autumn may officially have arrived, but someone had clearly persuaded summer to stay for the day.

There’s something special about starting a new season with a race that means so much to our club. First contested in 1891, the Thomas Cup has passed through generations of our runners, and this year’s hopefuls were ready to have their turn.

Before the racing, though, there was the small matter of around 40 deer, discovered during course setting firmly settled at the top of the hill behind the ballet school. They appeared in no hurry to relinquish their vantage point. Fortunately, John Ricketts was marshalling nearby and, with a little quiet diplomacy, the herd eventually chose to move on. We can now add deer liaison to John’s already considerable list of talents.

At the start, Andy Bickerstaff set runners off in his customary laconic fashion, keeping a watchful eye on any toes straying over the line drawn in the sand. Once all 52 were away, thoughts turned to who might crest the rise first. There was plenty of scope for speculation, particularly with new handicapper Neil Rae’s calculations being put to the test for the first time.

It was Colette Doran who came into view first, running determinedly and showing no inclination to surrender her lead. An on-form Geoff Jones was giving chase, close enough to keep everyone interested but there was still that uphill crest round Sidmouth Woods to negotiate. Behind him was young Thomas Lane, with strong 18-year old legs that had yet to fathom the concept of creaky knees.

Now anyone who knows this finish will appreciate how much it asks of tiring runners. The line looks tantalisingly close long before it actually is, and by those last few hundred feet, the legs have generally submitted a formal objection.

Colette held on brilliantly to cross the line six seconds ahead of Geoff, with Thomas following another 11 seconds later. Beauty before age, with youth having to wait its turn. A splendid finish and a very well-deserved victory for Colette, whose name now joins so many others in the Thomas Cup’s long history.

There was still competitive spirit to spare towards the very end, when Tom Reay and Thomas Cameron supplied a little ‘Tom-Tom’ action. Echoing last year’s the David vs Goliath battle of Naish vs White, a sprint of sorts ensued.

No navigation required, just the firm conviction of one Tom that the other Tom couldn’t be allowed to overtake him. In the end, Tom Reay prevailed, proving that there is always a race to be had, wherever you are in the field.

With everyone across the line, it was back to the clubhouse for the BBQ, the club photo and a proper catch-up. A huge thank you to our BBQ and catering team, whose hard work gave everyone such a lovely reason to linger. Feeding hungry runners is no small undertaking, and we’re very grateful to everyone who helped prepare, cook, serve and clear away.

Behind the scenes, we also put our new club app, MyRanelagh, through its paces. With results guru Pete Vox away, it proved enormously useful in helping produce the results. A very welcome extra pair of hands, albeit a virtual one!

Alongside our handicap top three, there were more performances to celebrate. Congratulations to our three fastest women: Emily Fenwick (30:07), Claire Warner (30:35) and Victoria Martin (31:27). Our three fastest men were Marc Leyshon (22:20), Dave Lawley (22:59) and Scott Jowett (23:58). Great running, all.

There was also a new piece of Ranelagh history to celebrate: the inaugural Ricketts Rose Bowl, generously donated by John Ricketts for the first V70 finisher. Chris Owens became its first winner, finishing tenth overall in 32:08. Many congratulations, Chris. Yours will always be the first name on the Rose Bowl, with many more to follow in the years ahead. A very warm thank you to John for this thoughtful gift and a new tradition for the club.

A special welcome to all our guests and new members who took part. We hope this was the first of many happy afternoons racing in blue and amber. Particular congratulations go to Charlie Berry, who, at just 15, ran an excellent 27:04, the thirteenth-fastest time of the day. A very promising performance from one of Ranelagh’s next generation.

And how did our new handicapper fare? Pleasing everyone in Ranelagh is traditionally considered impossible, but Neil Rae’s debut even earned the approval of former vice-captain Dave Lawley. Those familiar with Dave’s views on previous handicappers will appreciate quite what an achievement this is. Get it in writing, Neil. Possibly framed. It definitely won’t last.

Our warmest thanks go to our volunteers: Carol Aikin, Andy Bickerstaff, Carol Barnshaw, Anita Molnar, Clive Naish, Ed Forbes, Ed Perry, Ellie Lawley, Emma de Heveningham, Frances Wilding, Gavin Hillhouse, Gordon Whitson, Hadi Khatamizadeh, James Ricketts, John Ricketts, Jolyon Coray, Karen Feeney, Livvy Ricketts, Lloyd Camp, Maia Rushby, Melanie Osmant, Mike Thomas, Peter Cook, Robbie Hillhouse, Sally Bamford, Sally Minchella, Sam Minchella, Solene Pezot & Sue Camp.

These afternoons depend on members giving their time so generously. To everyone who helped or came along to support, thank you. Your welcome and encouragement are as much a part of the occasion as the running.

An old trophy, a new tradition, long-standing friends and new members just beginning their Ranelagh story. It was lovely to have all of that together in one afternoon, with a whole season ahead of us to look forward to.

Rah Rah Rah Ranelagh 💙💛

Race report by Narissa Vox, Race Director/Official
📸 Emma de Heveningham, Carol Aikin & Maia Rushby