Chingford League Relays, Wanstead Flats: Chaos and Camaraderie Combined

Saturday saw the final Chingford League race of the season and fittingly it finished with the ever popular relays; a team event and it is as a team that the Stags have thrived this year.

Turnouts throughout the season have been the envy of many other clubs. Sixty nine Stags have competed (39 men and 30 women) and five (Kirsty Johnstone, Anna Murray, Anneli Sydenham, Des Michael and David Scott) have competed in all seven races earning the sought after ‘ever presents’ mug in the process. That’s fantastic! Our team spirit has been second to none.

In the Individual Points Competition, which was decided at the previous fixture, Paul Bassa came 2nd M60 and was presented with a medal after this race which he thoroughly deserved for his fantastic performances. Congratulations Paul!

As for the Relays themselves this consisted of teams of four each running two miles on a multi-terrain course. Each leg (the first one is particularly chaotic!) was a flat loop round Wanstead Flats on trails in fields and woods, firm going for the most part but muddy and slippery in places. The sun was out and it wasn’t that cold; in truth a great day for racing and that’s what the Stags did; race! No one, not even those in incomplete teams, took it easy but then Stags never do. The men’s A Team ran their socks off (and in Kelvin’s case Milan’s shoes) but were unable sadly to stave off relegation (our women having been relegated at the previous fixture) but they were a great example to the rest of us and we salute them! The race also saw one of the great rivalries in British sport play out before our eyes; the Barnet Women’s A Team v the Barnet Men’s B Team. It was a closely fought contest but our women narrowly edged it (60.51 to 61.18) with great performances all round including Pauline running with half a shoe by the end! We feel sure sports fans everywhere or at least female Stags will talk about this victory for years to come.

It was a fun and at times exhilarating day followed by a great end of season pub celebration. Everyone is looking forward to next year’s promotion battle. Roll on the 2023/24 Season!