It was a reasonably bright day for the event, although the temperature struggled to rise as far as freezing point. Starting from the bottom car park at least gives a bit more shelter than the more exposed top car park, and enables some variety with the courses. We were pleased with the turn out, in fact we had underestimated the popularity within Christmas week, and started to run out of maps for some courses later on. Thanks to those who donated their maps back at download, and if any of those competitors would like a map, then please get in touch and we will provide one.

It is quite a fast area in the winter for running, and those who really wanted a challenge could have taken a circuit of the park with Paula Radcliffe who was out training. As an Organiser (I can't claim credit for inviting Paula), it is impossible to predict all possible problems. In this case, as the competitor arrivals reached a maximum, the car park barrier ceased to function, and we had to improvise to let cars in through the exit. Once again, thanks to those competitors who paid into the honesty box on the way out. It was not our fault, and the park ranger came to sort out the problem, but at the same time we need to keep on good terms with the park management for future use.

I'd also like to thank all the helpers on the day for doing so much to make this an enjoyable event and working in such cold conditions. Of course the people who are out the longest on the day are the Planner and Controller. Rachel and Roger did an excellent job of providing challenging courses in this area, and many comments of appreciation were heard in the car park.

Bob Haskins

My first time at planning courses for a district event and as you can imagine it was quite a learning curve, but good fun most of the time and very rewarding to see people enjoying themselves, despite my efforts! Its only when you experience planning an event that you realise the work involved and the compromises you have to make to get all the courses to work in one area. Beacon is lovely, a mixture of rough open and wooded areas and a rather large hill which meant some of the courses being shorter than what I would have liked having taken into account the climb.

Thanks to Roger Phillips for keeping me on the straight and narrow and Bob for arranging the team and getting people into the carpark despite the issues with the entrance barrier.

Rachel Simonetti

Beacon Hill was always going to be a runner's area & with the vegetation down this was reflected in the course times. For a novice planner Rachel devised some interesting legs that forced you to consider the impact of the climb in your route choice. This is particularly difficult when the restrictions of the land owner impact on the course design. Rachel's enthusiasm for the challenge of course planning meant she was trying to improve on her courses right up to the last minute.

My thanks must go to Bob for his hard work in organising event with the minimum fuss & to Rachel for her constant stream of ideas & questions.

Roger Phillips