The inaugural Pauline Dalton Trophy race took place on Thursday 18th June, writes event co-organiser Jamie Philip. Pauline was a stalwart of Sevenoaks Athletics Club who sadly passed away this year. This 3k Handicap race in her memory was created to promote an inclusive event where Junior and Senior members of the Club of all levels can compete and have some fun.
The weather cooperated and we had a glorious summer evening, bathing Sevenoaks School playing fields in sunlight. It was fantastic to see more than 30 SAC members of all ages compete over the 3k course which consisted of two laps of the playing fields including the perimeter of the athletics track.
Sham Pickard, Jim Knight and John Copping were the first athletes to set off with the other runners following at intervals determined by their expected finishing time. Jake Mears, one of the fastest senior athletes over 5k was the last to set off.
Sham Pickard immediately established a lead, giving the organiser an early indication that he had potentially been overly generous with Sham's handicap! Sham looked determined to maintain his strong early pace, perhaps fearful of his son Louie and wife Rebecca chasing him down. The main challenge came from two junior athletes with Harvey Fenwick and Finlay Philip closing in on Sham over the second lap. Sham was able to hold on however with Harvey coming in second and Finlay third. 
Ed Saunders was fourth (another one for the handicap secretary to look at), before a number of our senior athletes finished in quick succession - Jon Maxim, Yon Marsh and John Copping were grouped closely before Max Philip (junior), Duncan Warwick-Champion and Alex Newby made up the top 10.
A special mention to Hugo Morrison (junior) and Jake Mears who came charging through the field from their late starting positions and finished just outside the top 10. Sham's son Louie also ran well to enjoy a sprint finish with Hugo.
Everyone finishing strongly despite the warm conditions and Club members shared drinks and cakes in the sunshine after the race. Pauline's husband Duncan presented the trophies to the top 3 and the top 5 juniors also received prizes. Many thanks to Neil Haggertay for providing the trophies and Keith Dowson for the prizes. Thanks also to those who brought the delicious cakes and to those who arrived early and helped with the course setting.
Sevenoaks AC has a long-held tradition of Handicap races and this new version was a fantastic way to get the junior and seniors together. We look forward to this event becoming an annual tradition which all members can enjoy.
