We had a sunny, bright day for the Mother's Day L2SOTM, although the running field was reduced – probably most of the ladies were cooking the lunch their children were going to say “Happy Mother’s Day” at; the Chief Organisers were marshalling another race; David had been kicking rocks until his foot swelled up; the Most Run Runner was taking his kids to the cinema for a once-only special and the previous night's entertainment in the Community Hall probably left a few regulars less able than usual to turn up so early.

Whatever: we had a great time and the competition was, in some areas (see below), intense.

Congratulations to Jeffrey Wiseman, who ran a Personal Best time to become the Most Improved Man. His improvement was 42 seconds which, spookily, is the same improvement that also gained him the coveted MIM trophy the last time he ran.

There was some controversy when the entire ladies' field crossed the line together, hand-in-hand (just like the finish of the first London Marathon, so at least a precedent has been set, if a somewhat dodgy one).

The Stewards' Enquiry was rather inconclusive – Jack was all for disqualifying all of them; David suggested drawing lots and shooting one of them pour encourager les autres^* but Fiona pointed out that it was Mother's Day and we, perhaps, shouldn't be so harsh. So the Most Improved Lady trophy was awarded to Alice, Jacqui and Sandra (in strict alphabetical order, as they didn't arrive in any other).

A huge Thank You to Graham Healey for organising it all and to the Smiths for providing the post-race sustenance (apart from what got eaten or drunk before the first runners came in, of course); to Ben, Sim and Katie Evans for the timekeeping and keeping track of who's on next; to Jack for being Chief Marshal and presenting the trophies; thanks to the Goulds who put the signs up so the runners didn't get lost or run over (unless there's something you haven't been telling us....?) and to the Cricket Club who made sure the venue didn't disappear anywhen in the last month.

* The only interest in this suggestion was from some of the ladies' husbands.