Fen Ditton Dash 2006
By Aidan Brown
This freezing Sunday, the 22nd of January, 50 odd students gathered together to run along one of the prettiest stretches of our river, under clear blue skies. The frosty tingling in the air was a far cry from last year's full on blizzard, and as the race got under way, hard breathing warmed cold hearts. The course is relatively flat, and in only its second year of use, but is already infamous for the daunting iron footbridge which always seems much larger on the 2nd lap. Men complete two large laps, while women run one large lap and a little one. At 8km and 6km respectively, this is the longest course in the college league.
Will George (27:43) of Jesus won the mens' race, with his usual graceful lollop, and was followed home by an exhausted Matt Sims (28:21), of Robinson. Matt was first home for the 2nds team in December's Varsity match, and his performance this week should put him in prime position for selection for the highly anticipated BUSA race in February. Sims' efforts helped to put Robinson into third place, only one point behind Girton, led home by captain Si Rutherford(30:30). Jesus were victorious with an impressive lead, after Rich Hewitt (29:31) swept through in eighth place. This leaves Jesus 3 points ahead of Queens' in the overall league standings, with Girton in third.
In the women's race, showing that she is back on her usual form, Claire Day (22:48) of Queens' was first home for Cambridge, after guest Georgina Rutherford (21:50). They were followed by Tricia Peters (23:27) of Darwin, and another guest, Valerie Graff (23:58). Sarah Kummerfeld (24:16), in fifth place, was first home for a very nippy Trinity team. However, Catharine Wood (24:17) of Queens' came in hot on her heels, to put Queens' and Trinity on equal points standing overall. Trinity were awarded the race for having a more complete team, and draw ahead in the tables with a considerable 3 point lead. Thank you to all the marshalls and the league organisers for arranging such a smooth, trouble free day.