Cuppers Cross Country 2008
By James Chettle
Week six of the Michaelmas term; the harsh winter winds setting in, the auburn leaves becoming ever more crunchy underfoot and the sight of over a hundred runners sweeping through Wandlebury Park - it's Cuppers time again. The record turnout was greeted by Wandlebury at its finest, while the relatively dry weather ensured a decent pace and some enthralling racing.
The women's race got off to a fast start with Helen Rollins (Corpus Christi) leading Naomi Taschimowitz (Trinity) around the first lap in just over 11 minutes. The Trinity runner closed the gap over the slower second lap and on the crest of the final hill, with just 200 metres of downhill running remaining, the two were neck and neck. However, Taschimowitz's final burst of speed saw her win one of the most exciting duels in the women's race in years. The fact that Rollins's time would have seen her take the title each of the last six years is testament to the quality of the contest. We may yet see a repeat of this battle in two weeks, quite possibly for the top two places in the Varsity Match.
A solid showing by Polly Keen (Murray Edwards) saw her take third, while Anna Anderson (Girton) did remarkably well on her return to running following a hip strain and a cycle accident to claim fourth. With two runners in the top ten as well as several solid displays in the midfield, Trinity took the women's team title ahead 20 points clear of Selwyn.
The men's team result was always going to be a closely fought affair with just the 103 points separating Jesus from their nearest rivals this year! Almost as unpredictable was the individual winner, with James Kelly (Jesus) taking victory 56 seconds clear of guest runner Ian Williamson. The win sees Kelly take home the naked man for the second year in succession.* However, a genuine battle did emerge for the accolade of second Cambridge man. Robin Brown (Jesus) gradually closed the gap on Tim Pattison (Downing) before pulling clear on the final lap to complete a 1-2 finish for Jesus.
Both the men's and women's results demonstrated the added strength in depth of this year's squad. In 2007, just 17 women broke the 30 minute mark; this year that number was up to 25. Similarly, 30 men ran under 40 minutes last year, compared to 40 men this year. Next week, same time, same place, it's Oxford - and we're more than ready for them!
* To clear up any possible confusion, the naked man in question refers to the statuette of a male runner awarded to the winner of Men's Cuppers. Like the winner of Cuppers, he strikes an athletic pose; however, unlike the winner of Cuppers, he does not sport any of the latest Ronhill garments.
**Also, a big thanks to everyone who helped mark out, marshal and clear the course, especially those who were there from 9.30am that morning. Job well done!