Congratulations go to Neil Chisholm and Alex Cook (nee Richmond) who ran 2:35 and 3:13 respectively, each securing guaranteed Championship entry to the London Marathon.

At Aldershot the Senior Men qualified reasonably comfortably for the National 6 Stage in 19th place.

As is customary, John Mcfarlane led the way with a fine 18:38 on the 1st leg, and he was backed up with fine runs from Julian Rendall, James McMullan and Andy Weir. At that stage we were close to the top 10, when our numerous absentees due to injury, stag dos etc, made it a slightly nervous conclusion, but a robust performance from Tim Beer and a typically dependable run from Matt Lynas saw us home safely.

A below strength V40 team finished 18th, but were superbly led by Andy Howse, who ran a fine 20:38 on the first leg. The captain then rather spoiled it, before we unleashed our secret weapon in the shape of Robin Dickson, before Andy Thomas led us home with an encouraging return to form. Thanks also to Mike Farmery for casting aside illness to offer his services. A full strength and fully fit V40 team will be in real contention come the National Road Relays next May, so hopefully greater things lie ahead.

Second claimer Andy Arbour continued where he left off in the Welsh Castles with a strong run for 3rd place in 27:35, whilst pride of place amongst the saltires went to the youth wing in the shape of Tom Samuel, who had a fine run finishing 4th in 27:52, less than half a minute behind the winner.

He was ably backed amongst others by Simon Molden in 8th, making a welcome return to racing, and Dan Pescod in 10th, showing much improved form.

The upshot of the collective effort was that Thames defeated Kingston and Poly by 132 to 185 in the 10 to score match, and also won the 6 to score with 60 points, from Hercules Wimbledon (75 pts) and Kingston and Poly (79 pts). Not a victory that is likely to shake the athletics world to its foundations, but a win’s a win, so many thanks to everyone who braved a pleasant afternoon to run.

The pocket rocket from down under, Naomi Warner, finished 1st lady in 17:49. Second claimer Chris Finill ran a fine course PB of 16:42 for 4th place.

A select group of Thames men contested the Surrey Road Relay Championships at Wimbledon Park.

The Senior Mens Team finished a very creditable 8th, with fine runs from a very ill Tom Kingsnorth and Chris Daniels, who brought his two sons along, allowing Paul Whitlock to demonstrate his babysitting skills. Pride of place went to Nick Malynn, who ran two excellent legs of 15:13 and 15:31.

However, it could have been so much better, as Nick managed to miss his handover with the incoming runner, not once, but twice!! Oscar Wilde made a pertinent remark in a slightly different context (he wasn’t overly keen on running) that I can’t quite recall, but it was, you can be assured, sheer entertainment.

The V40 team also managed very creditable bronze medals in the county championships. After the captain rose from his death bed to record what he described as "absolutely risible jog", the team were rescued by fine runs from David Moore (16:25) and Hugh Shields (16:35) and a typically robust performance from Al Irvine.

The V50 team also finished a fine 3rd, thanks to a great run from Mike Farmery (17:07), two excellent runs from Rick Turner (17:07 & 17:57), and able support from the aforementioned Mr Whitlock. Unfortunately, the captain being of unimpeachable moral character, he disclosed the duplication to the organisers, with the result that the team were denied bronze medals.

Well done to Ian Higgins for another fine victory in the Wimbledon 5k in a new PB time of 17:25. The race also saw Andy Robinson finish an excellent 3rd and, shock horror, Tim Beer come in 5th.