On Saturday 11th December 2021, when most of the world were running to distance themselves from Omicron, our hardy warriors were racing against 38 UK alumni associations on the very muddy and slippery course which is Wimbledon Common. This was the 69th annual Thames Hare & Hounds UK Alumni Associations' cross country race and the UK ODU's sixth consecutive year of participation.Because of Covid, last year's competition took place remotely and then 16 ODs, competing from all over the world, came in at 5th (out of 30 teams) our best performance yet. This year, with several of our key runners off sport or lost on the London Underground or just lost, we nevertheless ended up at a very creditable 18th, seeing off some stiff competition along the way. Although not raining, conditions were grim and in some parts quite treacherous, so our placing - for chaps more used to the balminess of a Cape summer's day - was not to sniffed at.
At our after-run debrief, It was resolved that next year we will build the numbers, stamina and post-match refreshment resilience. We have Eton in our sights!
In the meantime, to John Thuysbaert (W, 2003), Brendan Raubenheimer (F, 2005), Caelim Parkes (O, 1990), Chris McPetrie (M, 2010) and Ant Marten (S, 1990) well done boys. [editor's note: word on the course was that Ant Marten - who flew in from Chicago for the event - had probably outspent his closest rival by about 150% on race kit. Your commitment and sartorial elegance, Ant, are much admired].
Thanks must go to Adrian Kritzinger (F, 2006) and Dillon McEvoy (O, 2005) who were booked off so couldn't run but turned out to consult and motivate. And to Rowan Nicholls (O, 2010) who was beaten by the TfL and James Klatzow (K, 2008) who may have thought this year's race was, like last year's, virtual, we're counting on you for 2022.
The on-course support from Tara Berwin and cocker spaniels Lille and Kida (courtesy the Raubenheimer / Kritzinger kennels) was much appreciated.
Click on the photos to enlarge (and feel free to download)
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| Chris McPetrie, at the check-in desk, explaining to a disbelieving race orgniser why what seemed a good idea then does not seem like one now |
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Chris McPetrie, Dillon McEvoy, John Thuysbaert and Brendan Raubenheimer
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| Chris McPetrie, Ant Marten, Caelim Parkes, Dillon McEvoy, Adrian Kritzinger, John Thuysbaert, and Brendan Raubenheimer with Lille and Kida in front |
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| Pre-race, Brendan and John wondering whether they can count on the others |
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| Getting ready at the starting line and --- they're off |
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| Coming home: first John, then Brendan, then Caelim, then Chris and then Ant |
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| Post-race, John and Brendan wondering where the others are |
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| Everyone accounted for and none more relieved (possibly surprised) than Lillie and Kida |
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| Post-race refreshments - Chris (right) questioning the authenticity of Dillon's sick note ... |
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| ... and John questioning Adrian on his |
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| John, Brendan, Dillon and Chris |
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| 18/39 - well done team! |
