Our Spring Handicap 2025 is about to enter the final third at Livingston Parkrun in June. In the final week of May at Polkemmet we had 6 course PBs, congratulations to James, Danny, Owen, Kenny, Harris and Mark. Liz, whose laces did not come undone, was only 9 secs away from a course PB. Previous Spring Handicap winner Alan R was only 3 secs away from a PB, he was pipped to the line by Jim in a close run race. It was also friend of the club Tot’s 250th Parkrun.

To help explain how the virtual handicap system works I have include an additional table this week. The Spring Handicap is a virtual handicap race with everyone starting according to their handicap, similar to our monthly Fiddlers, this should enable all to finish at the same time. Using your best run at Polkemmet in May the virtual handicap race was won by John F, followed by John R and Ryan F. In fact, of the 66 runners who made it along, only 9 ran faster than expected! Teachers Pet was Liz who was spot on, honourable mentions also go to James, Hazel and Stephanie who were within 2 seconds of their handicap times.

The second table includes the points awarded in April and May and the provisional points total. Double points in May certainly rewarded those who enjoyed the rolling Polkemmet course. Club Coach Owen and Club Captain James have intimated it is not a tough enough course and that we should use the mountainous Falkirk Parkrun next year. However, as we visit Polkemmet during May their anniversary run is guaranteed. Their Anniversary run means an excellent spread of cakes and the chance to run in fancy dress. Sandy, Jim and Roy were approached for their comments on the possible switch to Falkirk but they were too busy scoffing the Jammie Dodger Cake to reply. It seems Falkirk may still be a distant dream.

Triple points on offer at Livingston in June.
One point separates James and Mark at the top of the Olympic League. Ryan F, in 3rd, is only 4 points ahead of Driss. Hazel has it to lose in the World League with a comfortable cushion at the top, then again it is only 9 points which is three places in the virtual handicap.
The European and Commonwealth Leagues , in fact all the Leagues, may well be decided by the new June handicaps which will be out later this week.

As always if you spot any mistakes then please let me know.