2026 is the 21st year of the competition (two years missing due to Covid. 2020 features just one race due to Covid) It is based on a handicap system devised by Mike Shipway. Originally a member’s handicap was based on his or her fastest 10K time in the previous 12 months compared with the Club’s fastest 10K time. Invariably the fastest time has been achieved by James Bolton.
James’ fastest time over the last 12 months was 34:03 at Thame. The second fastest time of 37:56 was by James Groves in the same race. Consequently James Bolton’s Handicap time for 2026 is 100% and James Groves’ 89.8% calculated as follows:
34.050/37.933 = 89.76% or 89.8%
Every first claim Club member has a chance to win irrespective of ability and the competition should provide an incentive for all members to run in as many races as possible. For each championship race, points are awarded with 25 for the fastest handicapped time.
This year there are 18 qualifying races comprising distances from 5K to Marathon so the fastest time on handicap receives 25 points and the 25th fastest just 1 point. If there are only 5 Harriers in the race the fastest is still awarded 25 points and the 5th fastest 21 points. In the event that there are 30 Harriers in the race, those who finish from 26th to 30th will receive no points.
At the end of the season on November 29th the best 9 results from the 18 races will be totalled and awards made to the winner, runner up and third place member.
Club Handicap Percentages 2026
Handicap Races for 2026 (Best 9 of 18 Races to Count)
1) 8th March – Goring 10K
2) 29th March – White Horse Half Marathon
3) 30th April – Mota-Vation – Charlton on Otmoor
4) 4th May – Chalgrove 10K
5) 28th May – Mota-Vation – Oxford
6) 25th June – Mota-Vation Combe 1
7) 28th June – Thame 10K (County Championships)
8) 5th July – Didcot 5 mile
9)30th July – Mota-Vation Combe 2
10) 2nd August – Hook Norton 6 mile
11) 5th August – Alchester Summer 5K
12) 16th August – Headington 5 mile
13) 27th August – Mota-Vation Stratfield Brake
14) 5th September – Cotswold Classic 10 mile (County Championships)
15) 27th September – Hanney 5 mile
16) 3rd October – Woodstock 12+ mile
17) 18th October – Abingdon Marathon* (County Championships)
18) 29th November – Eynsham 10K
* any Marathon before 30th November
Please note: For those who have not completed a 10K since March 2025 a handicap estimate will be made based on a 5 mile or 5K performance. For new members with no race history no handicap estimate will be possible but double points will be awarded on completion of their race 2.
Fastest 10K Times – March 1st 2025 to February 28th 2026
& Handicap Allocated
Name | Fastest Time & Venue | Handicap % |
James Bolton | 34:03 Thame | 100 |
Christian Orr | 40:11 Goring | 84.7 |
Katherine Jones | 40:30 Goring | 84.1 |
James Groves | 37:56 Thame | 89.8 |
Tom Preskett | 39:56 Eynsham | 85.3 |
David Watkinson | 39:53 Eynsham | 85.4 |
Caroline Johnstone | 43:37 Eynsham | 78.1 |
Iain Claxton | 50:49 Eynsham | 67.0 |
Susan Haines | 68:56 Goring | 49.4 |
Dave Cantwell | 40:51 Chalgrove | 83.4 |
Jill Lumsden | 48:00 Chalgrove | 70.9 |
Rob Earle | 47:50 Town & Gown | 71.2 |
Rachael Organ | 48:10 Eynsham | 70.7 |
Liz Welsh | 52:18 Eynsham | 65.1 |
Anna Henderson | 58:26 Town & Gown | 58.3 |
Sarah Kerswell | 52:56 Otmoor | 64.3 |
Tom Shepherd | 41:30 Thame | 82.0 |
Kirsty Lee | 44:41 Eynsham | 76.2 |
Lizzy Kelly | 43:38 Eynsham | 78.0 |
Louis Warden | 48:37 Thame | 70.0 |
Adrian Smith | 45:42 Eynsham | 74.5 |
Nicola Leavesley | 54:31 Thame | 62.5 |
Grace Harrison | 39:21 Eynsham | 86.5 |
Rob Linnell | 41:09 Eynsham | 82.7 |
Ed King | 41:43 Eynsham | 81.6 |
Will Hudson | 47:39 Eynsham | 71,5 |
Clare Court | 47:42 Eynsham | 71.4 |
Liz O’Farrell | 49:56 Eynsham | 68.2 |
Vicky Walker | 52;20 Eynsham | 65.1 |
Caroline Sloan | 54:42 Eynsham | 62.2 |
Neil Preddy | 56:18 Eynsham | 60.5 |