Bedford Harriers AC

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The Managers of this Stately Home welcomed the Eastern Vets but insisted the runners use their car-park [to visibly strengthen their case for a grant for a bigger car-park, according to a perceptive Harrier]   But this meant a 600m walk to the start and worse still a 1k trek to the ''Hardwicke Arms'' where minimal changing is available but also the usual copious Eastern Vets free refreshments at the presentation afterwards.

All was worthwhile, along with the freezing conditions, when it transpired that the 60+ team were ''EAST of ENGLAND'' champions for the third year in a row, easily overcoming weaker than usual opposition from Milton Keynes AC and Ely Runners. Back-from -injury Martin Leach and the ever-consistent Bill Billington led the way home with solid support from Bill Morant, Norman Bethwick, and a welcome appearance - first for a dozen years he says - from Bill  Bowden.

Somewhat unusually there appeared on the scene a 70+ team - the first in the long history of this event and also it is believed a ''Harriers First''.  For those  unfamiliar with veteran running, the main feature of such a team is its vast collective experience rather than any discernable running ability. A dozen or so runners contested this 4k event, the Harriers acquiring more winners medals through being the only club to close in a team. In the more ''junior'' veteran age groups the Harriers were ably represented by Graham King and Tony Barnes.