Mob Vs Orion Harriers

Info
Written By Ranelagh Coordinator

FINAL FURLONG FOR OUR MOB!

Despite our resounding victory at Farthing Downs last Saturday against South London Harriers (race report coming soon!), there’s no rest for our mob. The next challenge awaits: Orion Harriers on 14 March in Epping Forest.

The rivalry stands at 51 wins to Ranelagh, 45 to Orion - but a win here would also mean two straight seasons of victories — the next step towards recapturing the spirit of that extraordinary run when Ranelagh won 15 mob matches in a row across three seasons from 2014–2015.

Here’s some history for context:

In October 2015, then Men's Captain Phil Killingley reported, 'We start the 2015-16 season with a record 7-match winning run in mobs, having won all four for the first time ever in 2014-15, and having broken our 30-year bogey run in Epping Forest.. This year we set out to retain our winning run as long as possible, and see if we could get 100 people out at the first fixture, vs Orion at home'

Named Operation Centurion, a club call out went far and wide for all Ranelagh 'men and women, young and old, fast and slow...', and the call was resoundingly answered. A record 117 Ranelagh Harriers turned up for that mob match, beating the previous record mob turnout of 106 against Blackheath in 1988.

After beating Orion, Phil led the club towards a truly 'heroic achievement'; winning 15 mob matches in a row, over 3 straight seasons, before sadly seeing that astonishing streak end at the hands of Thames Hare & Hounds in November 2017.

Stand and be counted. The more Ranelagh runners on the start line, the better our chances of victory — and of extending our winning streak. Make no mistake — this will be tough. Orion will be ready, and Epping Forest throws everything at you: mud, roots, hills and more mud.

Yes, it’s the night after the Baker Awards. Yes, there may be sore heads. But let’s all rise to the occasion. To help inspire you even further, here are a few heartfelt words from our Men’s Captain, Jonny Smith:

“After this weekend's victory against SLH we have a real chance to make club history. We're on the cusp of a double clean sweep and this would keep us on track to surpass our 2017 achievement. It’s not an opportunity that comes around very often!

But we need your help. In 2024, Orion comfortably beat us by 344 points. They normally get a strong turnout at home so we really need everybody who can make it to come along. Speed is not important here - numbers are the key to winning this.

We know it's a bit of a trek, but the course is a beautiful jaunt through Epping Forest and Orion put on a great spread afterwards with hot food and (hopefully) showers. Various people will be driving so if you need a lift just message in a chat and we will try and get you sorted. Come join us and let's try and complete the sweep!"

Jonny’s right, mob matches are won on numbers, and every Ranelagh vest will count. It’s ideal for everyone (over 20 years old) - so even if a hard race isn’t in your training plan, come and treat it as a steady run. Bodies on the start line are what matter.

So one last time this season, come along for ‘good run in the country side‘, in support of our club and to chant our Club Cry:

Hobble Gobble
Razzle Dazzle
Zis Boom Bah
Ranelagh Ranelagh
Rah Rah Rah

RACE INFO

  • Race start: 2pm (please note this change from previously advertised). Start and finish is close to the clubhouse.

  • Registration: Orion Harriers Clubhouse @ North Chingford, Bury Road, E4 7QJ. Please arrive in plenty of time to register. Changing facilities, toilets, showers and bag drop available.

  • Trains: The clubhouse is 10 minutes walk from Chingford station on the Weaver Line. Trains go from Liverpool St and Walthamstow Central.

  • Parking: Parking is available 5 minutes from the clubhouse on Bury Road. Payment via the Ringgo app.

  • Course: See image below. 7.5 miles all on trail or forest paths, with a handful of road crossings. Conditions are currently pretty muddy, and are unlikely to change much even if there’s a period of dry weather.

  • Refreshments: After the finish at the clubhouse; while waiting for results.

Ranelagh Coordinator
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March Notices