BRAEMAR ROYAL HIGHLAND GAMES - 2003

By Flt Lt Greg Dunson

Two teams from RAF Cosford entered the “Braemar Royal Highland Society Games” on the 6th of September 2003. The teams participated in the Inter Services Medley Relay and also entered a runner into the Fell Race. It was the first time the Unit had been represented at the games with teams consisting of students and staff. Some of the competitors had already represented the RAF during the athletics season. Hopes were high for coming away with something, even if it was just a glimpse of the Monarch.

The day started with the sun adorning the Scottish Highlands, apparently a rare occurrence for the games where rain usually makes it a soggy but enjoyable affair. The heats, in the morning saw both teams going through to the finals in the afternoon, which were to be in front of the Queen. Cosford ‘A’ were heat winners and Cosford ‘B’ were fastest runners up. Stiff opposition from the Navy Officers’ “College Dartmouth” in the heats therefore set the stage for an interesting final.

The afternoon with the arrival of the Royal party and the Prime Minister had spectators swelling in number to 20,000 setting the scene for an exciting afternoons final.

The Fell Race saw AC Lee Athersmith as Cosford’s sole representative give a valiant effort seeing him finish thirteenth in a field of over 80 other runners.

Flt Lt Dunson receives the King George VI Trophy from Her Majesty the Queen

In the Inter Services Medley Relay, Cosford ‘A’ made a swift start with SAC Stu Benson on the first half lap handing over in the lead to Flt Lt Greg Dunson who battled with the Navy runner jostling for position on this full lap coming home to pass the baton to SAC ‘Paddy’ McLernon. He then broke the Navy charge on his lap to give AC Tony Higbee a free reign to bring the baton home convincingly in the final half lap.

Cosford ‘B’ consisting of Cpl Sam Bonsal, AC Rich Sharman, AC Mike Wright and Sgt Frank Chapman ran extremely well finishing in a very respectable fourth position.

Flt Lt Greg Dunson collected the team trophy on behalf of RAF Cosford from the Queen to round of a very successful days work for the Cosford Athletes.