The 6th Spring Handicap has begun with some impressive runs at Auldcathie Parkrun on Saturday. Although the 13 week event is not a sprint, more like a marathon (okay a 5k) Liam has put down a marker early doors, running nearly two mins faster on Saturday than his best Parkrun time for the whole of 2025. Who would have thought turning up to every training session over the winter would make such a difference? Similarly, Emma T set a lifetime Parkrun PB by chopping 26 seconds off her previous best time, was it the consistent training, the 7 cross country races or a combination of both? Have the 100 and 99 points for April best net time and 2nd best time found a new home?

Family honors goes to Stuart who ran 3 secs faster that his best 2025 PR time, setting a new PB for Auldcathie. Steve found 7 secs on his best 2025 time on a course he annually does well on. Previous winner Phillip, wearing Liz's Jimmy Irvine Bella top, struggled on Saturday and is maybe waiting for warmer weather to make his challenge. Sandy made the most a weekend free of Ultra Running, I think he as about 4 of these in a calendar year, by putting in a huge effort to be only 8 secs off his best Parkrun time of 2025. Lesley is currently 2nd in the Olympic League with her 5th fastest Parkrun time ever, her best 2025 time was set on a pancake flat course in the Netherlands. Of the 21 entrants who finished on Saturday only Emma and Stuart ran course PBs, so perhaps not ideal conditions.

Only three Saturdays left to grab your April points.