He was flying this time last year and we hope to see him carving out a few more fast times in the coming weeks.

There were other exceptional performances on the night and whilst not wishing to offend anyone by missing them out i won't mention names.  Except one.  I have to mention Rob.  He shocked me off my perch!

Sorry i didn't shout and cheer you, Rob.  I thought it must be someone else who looked like you and i didn't know his name!  Then i realised it WAS you.  What sort of training have you been doing in secret?!  Hats off to you!

Good to see we had a large contingent there supporting our runners.  Well, most were injured and wanted to enjoy a pint and watch others suffer for once!  Nice one, Debbie Hocking.  On crutches that girl but still came along to cheer the Carnies on.

The most shocking event of the night was the race winner!  The incredible news of MJ's passing has been upstaged!  I rushed home to see News at Ten but the news still hadn't filtered through.

What am i talking about?  Well, i was about a minute's run down the road from the finish with the camera. The leading runner, Ollie Gibson appeared and was well clear of the guy in second place.  In the bag, Ollie. You deserve it mate, well run.  Never in doubt, my son.

Loads of people, who hadn't seen the finish, asked me who'd won.  "Ollie Gibson by miles", i told them.  Back up at Trickys an hour later, i looked at the results.  There's a mistake surely?!  Ollie was in second place, same time as the winner!  That seemed impossible, but obviously not!  There's a message there for every runner: NEVER GIVE UP!

The race had another massive entry.  Over 500 did someone say?   The locals protested by parking their cars on both sides of the road from the start down to Trickys entrance reducing the width of the road so much that a bottleneck occured as the field tried to squeeze through!

I presume it was the locals because surely the runners would have enough brains to know it would be them who would be inconvienienced by parking there!!!

Lastly, the first time i miss this race and you actually got something for finishing!  Excellent Goody Bag.  Nice bottle of beer.  Alan Rowling must have thought so as i seen him disappearing with a crateful!!  A tipple well earned, Alan & CAC.

Well Done the Carn.

Loads of Photos to come from Hopalong.com, look in Gallery section too!