Although BAC's Senior Mens' Team may have just been pipped into second place, in both the Open and League competitions, the Littledown 5 can only be regarded as having been a success for the club, with a number of awards, and PBs, and the welcome return of some who, for a number of reasons, have not been competing for a while.

Ian Habgood led the BAC contingent home, collecting the award for third place overall, and next across the line was Phil Mosley, back in Bournemouth after working away from the area, 6th overall, and winner of the prize for the first veteran man. Next, in 8th position, was Club Captain Simon Munro, who ran a PB for 5 miles, quite an achievement on a course with some twists and turns. PBs were also run by Graeme Miller, and Janie Chapman, who continued her run of awards by taking home the prize for second lady veteran.

In addition to the return of Phil, it was pleasing to see Paul Chapman competing again, after a period of running inactivity due to injury, and also Mike Cowham and Cherry Sheffrin, back home after their momentous walk across the Pyrenees from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic.

A very encouraging feature of this race was the performance of our Junior Men. David Long, an astonishing 12th overall (and 34 seconds in front his Dad, Roy!), won the award for the first U17, and Joshua King, running this distance for the first time, also collected an award as the second U17. Not far behind Josh was Corrie Norton, also running a 5 mile race for the first time, who finished 30th overall in a race in which there were nearly 300 finishers. Well done to David, Josh and Corrie!

Looking at the League competition, subject to confirmation, Poole Runners score was 31, BAC's 37, so we come a close second. Having transferred to the club during the year, David and Roy Long won't count as part of BAC's league team until 2012, but, had they counted at Littledown, BAC's score would have been 33 - not quite enough to win. It is interesting to note, however, that two of Poole Runners' scorers are ex-BAC members! The Littledown 5 was part of Poole Runners' club championship, which contributed to their strong turn-out - the next and final three League races are all also included in their championship. If Poole Runners win the remaining League races and we are second in these we will lose the League competition by 1 point, 9 points Poole Runners, 10 BAC - IT'S AS CLOSE AS THAT!! We need strong teams out for each of the races, namely Gold Hill 10k (9 October – unfortunately the day after the Hampshire League at Farley Mount), Weymouth 10 (22 October) and Gilly Hilly (6 November). NB NO ENTRIES ON THE DAY FOR WEYMOUTH 10; no closing date is advertised, but the race is likely to fill up - see www.egdonheathharriers.co.uk.

Results (BAC):

3. Ian Habgood 26.30; 6. Phil Mosley 27.02; 8. Simon Munro 27.37; 9. Robin Copestick 28.01; 12. David Long 28.14; 14. Roy Long 28.48; 16. Graeme Miller 29.02; 21. Josh King 29.27; 30. Corrie Norton 30.34; 38. Richard Nelson 31.18; 39. Paul Chapman 31.35; 46. Janie Chapman 32.17; 50. Mike Cowham 32.27; 51. Jud Kirk 32.34; 61. Ian Graham 33.18; 69. Joe Price 34.02; 109. Cherry Sheffrin 36.28; 129. Dave Parsons 38.12; 248. Will Price 48.15.