Wedding Day Bliss on the Run

Not many people still celebrate the Charles & Diana wedding anniversary; even fewer mark it with a run, but Teddington-based Stragglers are a different sort of running club. The Wedding Day 7K has been run every year since 1981 and has its own unique atmosphere typified by the organiser, who answers to the name of Father Onn. He's the one in the dog collar (and wearing socks with sandals) who gatecrashed our team photo.

Thirteen BR members took part in the race - and the ample opportunities for carbo-loading on the Hampton Hill cricket pitch. There was even live music - Oscar Sumpter led the dancing from mid-off.

James Gourlay was the first Barnes Runner home - 51st out of 517 runners, in 27:50. Our men's first team came 15 th in their category, the women 14th - you can see all the results are on www.stragglers.org.

We even came home with a trophy, although apparently the Guinness Tray isn't as prestigious as first thought and the barmaid at Hampton Hill cricket club would like it back sometime.

A fantastic turnout and a great night - gold medals to Brent and Jim for organizing everything. We have also had good showings for handicap challenges against Sheen Shufflers, the start of what will hopefully be a long and friendly rivalry..

Our next club running event will be the River Relay on September 10. It sounds like another great outing - all abilities welcome - please contact brent.davis@bt.com for more information.