Chariots of Fire Relays 2005
On Sunday, 18th September, over 300 teams competed in the 15th annual Chariots of Fire relays. This unprecedented multitude gathered from all walks of life, with teams from the University, its colleges and departments, from local businesses and institutions, and groups of friends bravely stepping up to the gun for charity. Each member of the six-person teams ran 1.7 miles (2.7 km), from Queens’ Backs, winding down Silver Street and pelting across Market Square, before a quick dodge through Trinity College towards the home straight. Here they faced a seething multitude of runners, from which they had to somehow single out their screaming, frantically arm- waving team mates. The baton moved on. First to hand over was Will George of Cambridge University Hare and Hounds (CUH&H) in the noteworthy time of eight minutes, two seconds. This in spite of a vicious iron post which leapt out and bit him just before the final bend. A similar post obstructed the progress of the army team, then just behind. Seven more teams followed in swift succession, with the CUH&H B team, at the back of this pack, only a few seconds behind the army. Alex McIntosh, next to take the baton for CUH&H B, rose swiftly through the ranks to leave CUH&H in first and second place. However, Michael Scott Associates dogged the CUH&H B team closely, and finally crept past them halfway down Trinity Street on the fourth leg. The medal positions maintained throughout the rest of the race, the CUH&H A team pulling steadily away towards a final time of 49:32. This is four minutes faster than last year’s fastest time.
The CUH&H women’s team, led off by Claire Willer’s devastating nine-minute-fifteen-second leg kept up the pace and kept well ahead of the pack all the way round. The Charityettes chased them to the line, but were never quite able to catch up. Among the college teams, all began well for Wolfson, whose Ulrich Paquet went on to run the third leg for the CUH&H B team. The first of four Trinity teams, however, passed Wolfson on the second leg, and kept ahead for the rest of the race. An impressive number of fellows competed in the college teams, among them Dr Roger Griffin, who this month celebrated his 70th birthday by running 35 miles around his block for charity.
There followed a number of stranger competitors; Scooby-Doo for one, the odd doctor or nurse (one very gory), and at least one in a bridal veil, thankfully dressless. As the morning sun rose higher into the glorious Autumn sky, the last few weirdly garbed runners gave one last, desperate push for the line, and Sir Arthur Marshall stepped up on to the podium to make the presentation of prizes. After competing in the 1924 Olympics, Sir Arthur instigated the first Chariots of Fire relays in Cambridge. The event has swelled in popularity ever since. He is 102, and his hesitant, but rousing speech reminded us of the true meaning of the Chariots of Fire – to run your heart out for your team mates, and for a very good cause.
The Cambridge University Hare and Hounds’ next fixture will be the Freshers’ Fun Run, on Sunday 9th October at 2pm, with registration from 1pm. Men run 5km, and women 3km, starting at Wilberforce Road Athletics track. The race will be followed by tea and cake in the pavilion. All runners are very welcome.