Coe Fen Relays
By Leika Gooneratne
On February the 11th, the penultimate race of the Chris Brasher College League took place as a short and speedy 3km loop around Coe Fen, the sun shining defiantly despite a gloomy forecast. The race is run as relays with teams of four men and teams of three women from each college and is mostly on tarmac, with good scenic views of swing-sets, tennis courts and wobbly footbridges.
In the women's department, Charlotte Forbes (Girton) ran quickest in a time of 11:32 with Polly Keen coming in second for New Hall on a separate lap, neither showing any less energy for racing in London at the Hyde Park Relays the previous day. However, it was Selwyn that emerged as winners of the race and league, with extremely strong running by Harriet Owles (4th) and Jane Mackey (6th) with Alex Bell completing the trio in a respectable 11th place.
James Kelly (Jesus) easily picked up the fastest time of 9:14 followed by Owain Bristow (Churchill) -- both of whom performed exceptionally well at Hyde Park Relays the previous day. Girton won overall thanks mainly to Jimmy Appleton (4th), Andy Duncan (5th) and Si Rutherford (10th). Their rivalry with Jesus has been fierce this year and currently the two are tied for first place in the league. The final college league race in 2 weeks, 'The Selwyn Relays' will be all the more exciting, as it will determine the ultimate winner.