Datchet Dash 10K 2003

Saturday 21 June 2003

OK I admit it; it was my bright idea to interrupt the 180 mile Sea to Source Run for a 10K sharpener at Datchet. Over a few beers the logic had been impeccable – we were passing through Datchet on the Thames Path and everyone likes the Dash! – But somehow just before the start I felt the need to apologize to the rest of the team. However circumstances ultimately conspired to prove the rash decision right.

This year’s Dash must have been the most popular ever with postal entries reaching the race limit of 750 the week before, resulting in no entries on race day. As we have grown to expect over the years, both the facilities and organisation were of the highest standard, and the large number of marshals (including three from Hayes and Harlington) did a great job.

The one lap loop of the playing field at the start is always good fun as you get to see the whole race entry stretching out across the grass, but such were the numbers this year that the lead runner almost ran into the back of the pack. Once out on the road the course was as flat as ever with just two climbs over the M4 and although the weather was hot the 10:00 start ensured conditions were tolerable.

What with the sponsored run and all, we weren’t expecting anything special in the way of results. But we hadn’t reckoned with new member Mark McKenzie who, fresh from the USA, was hoping to make his first ever UK race a good one. Some hasty arrangements including a borrowed vest and lift to the race made Mark’s wish come true when he finished in 34:54 for 5^th overall and 2^nd MV40.

Better still his performance lifted the men’s team to 2^nd place – by far the best we have ever achieved at the Dash. Mark later claimed he made a couple of tactical errors in the race and would do better next time – we can’t wait!

Full results on the Datchet Dasher website