Inside the Sports Hall everyone was talking about, I assumed at the time, a very special runner called Jugetin. He must be so good as everyone seemed to be chanting his name. Wendy and I just escaped WACO in time so were a bit dubious about joining in. I thought Karen looked the most sensible to ask. "Jugetin?" I asked, "Yes I did" she replied. So did Judy and Laura! "Not me" said Jo, "I'm not doing it" said Carol. I thought I'd change the subject and mentioned that MR 118 had once again spurned the opportunity of my company next April when the penny dropped (will that cause a loss of confidence in the city?) and I realised that the star runner was going to have to be Jim Cole and not an Eastern European. (Who's going to be the recipient of a large fleece jacket as a spot prize at Blaythorne 10? Next year I'll get one with Virgin on it).

Off to the start and these elite boys were all facing the wrong way and looked a bit outnumbered so they assumed the correct altitude and off we went. Now if you were taking the grandchildren out for a stroll in Newquay on Sunday morning I do apologise for all the mad people puffing and panting their way down the hill and scaring the living daylights out of the most hardened soul. Get to the cross over point and one chap faces a DSQ (come on Hayle ladies "OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO") by paying more attention to his Ipod than the starter's instructions.

Barrel around the corner, over the water jump and up the hill. That early pace is sorting some out and there are walkers already. Settle in and sidle up to Dave and before long we are joined by Jo. This is nice, I'm enjoying a race! Taking turns in pacing we drop down and brave out the wind past the Gannel and then slog out the rise home.

Just as I think I've got bragging rights, Dave pounces on me in finishing straight and Jo strides in next. In darts parlance that is good grouping. Jo and I both shout "Tangle twos" when it comes to the medal hand out and she wins by a fraction. Back to the finish to cheer on the rest and its not too long before we are all safely gathered in and off to check the results.

All week I'd been telling the Duchess she was in with a shout of a prize again, the three blind mice (Glynis, Carole D and myself) all had to check the sheets three times each before she would even consider the possibility. Paul was up to his arms in young children but deserved it after a top 25 finish and Kev managed to get his name right at the top of the 2nd sheet, closely followed by Senior Hole. Another solid run from Karen and of course Jo's continued march towards the fast group on Wednesdays. Laura's comeback continues and Wendy says thanks for your support or else she wouldn't have done it. Great turn out fromm two Carols and Judy and special welcome well done to newcomer Glynis for getting inside your target after just 6 weeks. Thanks to the back up team and a special mention for Kensa who looked to be in a bit of distress and we hope you are feeling better now.

I must tell NRR that the Duchess prefers red. Her other prizes which are momentoes (I call them dust collectors) have gone to the grandchildren. The wine seems a much more useful prize, she's going to keep that!

Steve Marks