PETER DEAR reports:
HACC took part in the 34th running of the Cotswold Way Relay, a ten-stage road relay race running the length of the National Trail; all 103 miles of it!
Spanning across the western edge of the Cotswolds, from the historic market town of Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire to the Roman baths of Bath in Somerset, it’s a gruelling long distance challenge that ain’t to be sniffed at!
Strongly supported by the club in the 2000’s, 2026 saw us throw two strong teams of ten at the competition!
Team 1 was our Mixed open team, supported by:
1) Greg Moore
2) Peter Dear
3) Andy Butler
4) Ethan Jordan
5) Matt Wilkinson
6) Kerri James
7) Sally Spencer
8) Harry Law
9) Milly Allen
10) Mel Hepke
Team 2 was our Vets team, made up with:
1) Phill Scarr
2) Carl Follows
3) David Lewis
4) Alex Morgan
5) Mo Cusworth-Yafai
6) David Jackson
7) Andy Nock
8) Ben Russell
9) Matt Allen
10) Rick Cudworth
Our early stage runners were up bright and early, with stage 1-ers Phill & Greg arriving to manage car shuttles at 5:30am!
Everything started smoothly, setting the way going forward for the rest of the day 😎
Having all the local training facilities at our disposal; Clent Hills, the Lickeys, the off road trails and green belt, Halesowen is never shy of hilly and off road competition.
Being an unmarked race, the Cotswold Relays threw the challenge of navigation into the mix 🧭.
I’m pleased to report that no mountain rescue services were needed, just a couple of helpful old ladies to point Harry Law back on track after taking a little ‘detour’ 🤫.
With the exception of this, and a few nasty blisters formed throughout the afternoons exertions, the Halesowen teams sailed through the 103 miles without drama and an enjoyable evening was had in Bath following the race presentation, for those who stayed.
The days following provided many an email from Phill, myself and the race organisers, scrutinising revised and re-revised results.
Eventually all seemed correct and we were pleased to announce (although we were denied the pleasure of being awarded at presentation), that Halesowen A&CC are the 2026 Mixed Team Champions! 🏆
Our Vets team finished 6th of 16 teams!
A huge congratulations to everyone who took part, and a massive thank you to Phill for organising us all in the lead up to and throughout the duration of the weekend!
There’s a resonating interest from everyone involved to return next year, especially now as we’ve a title to defend ⚔️
Full results are attached below:
Up Owen!
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