Halton Hills - 20 Aug

By Flt Lt Carl Thompson

The 29th consecutive Royal Benevolent Fund Halton Cross-Country Race took place by kind permission of the Station Commander, Group Captain R D Gammage MSc MA RAF, RAF Halton on Wednesday 20 Aug 08. The event takes entries from Service personnel and MoD employed civilian individuals and teams, including this year an Army team 10 Signal Regiment. Many teams traveled a considerable distance to compete with Leeming, Wittering, Coningsby and Cranwell all in attendance.

This demanding yet rewarding event started and finished at the Burnett Gym, RAF Halton and covered the traditional route of some 7.5 miles through the picturesque Wendover Woods. The event is deliberately designed as a challenge and includes a number of steep inclines and steep descents! In short (it isn’t when you run it) 7.5 miles with seven big hills. For the statistically minded amongst you there is an overall ascent of 1200 ft.

The race has much history. Each hill has been commemorated with names such as Cardiac Arrest and Legless Last and of course the infamous Cobley’s Rise; named after the founding father of this race Don Cobley. Don passed away in 1999 but for those who never had the pleasure of meeting him; Don was an RAF Physical Training Instructor, an Olympian at Melbourne 1956 and Rome in 1960 competing in the Modern Pentathlon. He was also a RAF running legend who inspired many over the years. A notable entry this year was his son Wing Commander Lee Cobley (High Wycombe) who paid his annual tribute to his father by retracing his father’s favourite training route around the Chiltern Hills.

This year’s race despite being held in August was held in relatively cool conditions. Recent wet weather also gave the course a winter feel with water and mud underfoot. Wing Commander Dave Cole V45 (High Wycombe) led from start to finish to maintain his excellent record in the race, Dave showed age is no barrier to success; he recorded an excellent time of 46 min 16 sec. This was four seconds faster than his 2007 win over a dry course, despite wearing road shoes on this years muddier course. SAC Lee Athersmith (Wittering) used his fell running skills to secure second place in 47 min 21 sec. Cpl Simon Almond (Cranwell ) was the third place finisher in 49 min 15 sec. Flt Lt Carl Thompson (Yeovilton) secured the V40 prize by default in 8th place 53 Min 06 sec. Race winner securing the V45. Evergreen MALM Steve Watts (Lyneham) secured the V50 prize.

Cpl Hirst (Benson) recorded an excellent time of 56 min 47 sec to secure 15th place amongst the men and victory in the ladies race. Second was LAC Collins Waddington 58 min 02 sec, Flt Lt Vicky Webb (Lyneham ) third in 61 min 39 sec. The first Lady V35 was Sqn Ldr Jo Roe (Wittering).

The 2008 saw RAF Halton Station Commander Group Captain Richard Gammage once again set a superb example. He finished the race in 20th place a three place improvement on his 2007 performance.

Overall the race was fine example of smooth organization and excellent teamwork all round. SAC Dan Parry took a break from his primary duty in the RAF Recruit Adminstration Section to head up and organize this years Halton Hills support team. Excellent pre and post race administration was the order of the day and special thanks are due to Warrant Officers’ Steve Langley and Sgt Andrea Shaw Physical Education Flight. The event received much appreciated sponsorship from SERCO and Ian Kevan from Ultra-Sport. The efficient and encouraging race marshals were provided Recriut and Airman Development Squadrons. Everyone was particularly impressed with the professional handling of the event.

MALE TEAM COMPETITION

Winners RAF Leeming

SAC Harvey 4

Cpl Graham 16

SAC Davis 24

SAC Trice 32

Total 77 points

Runners Up RAF Halton

Cpl Kingshott 5

Gp Capt Gammage 20

Wg Cdr Alexander 28

Sgt Parr 30

Total 82 points

LADIES TEAM

RAF Lyneham

Flt Lt Webb

Flt Lt Murray

Mrs Watts

DON COBLEY MEMORIAL TROPHY

The Halton DDS Team won the Don Cobley trophy. (Awarded to the first RAF Halton Team to finish).

2009 EVENT

For those who have yet to experience this unique event I would urge you all to get on the start line in 2009 for the 30th Anniversary edition of the race. Information on Royal Air Force Road and Cross Country Races, which will help you prepare for Halton Hills 2009 is available from the RAF AA website

Results