Sunday 14th JANUARY 2018 (for the 2017 trophies)
Once again ‘The Runners’ Rowing Races’ for the 1929 Franckeiss Cup, and other trophies, was held on Sunday Jan 14 at The Skiff Club, Teddington.
The event was started in 1929 by Ranelagh Harriers in Richmond and is open to any running club. Although only open to gentlemen, since The Skiff Club gave it new life we have also encouraged both Ladies and Mixed crews, gifting last year trophies for each of the new categories.
The annual races were held between running clubs in the area and included 26.2 RRC from Surbiton, Hercules Wimbledon, Stragglers from Kingston, Thames Hare and Hounds from Wimbledon Common and new comer Wimbledon Windmilers. Both Ranelagh Harriers and Walton AC were unable to enter crews this year, but hope to see them again next year, along with other running club from the area.
The Skiff Club, as usual provided the training for all of the crews leading up to the event with coaching by various members, which was gratefully received by the running clubs.
The weather, although cold was fine and sunny on occasions with no wind, which meant the Thames was calm and great conditions for all abilities for sculling.
The races were held as usual over the short sprint course running up river along the length of Trowlock Island. The moderate flow rate did not hold them back, either and we saw some excellent heats and finals in both two and three lanes races, with coxing, umpiring, timekeeping, marshalling, etc., provided by volunteers from The Skiff Club.
The Skiff Club crowd, were swelled both by family and friends of the entrants who came along and cheer each race and left a little horse for sure.
Hercules Wimbledon retained the Franckeiss Cup for the Gents Doubles in a very close race with Thames Hare and Hounds until the final moments, winning by only ¼ of a length in a time of 2:11, after two heats and a final.
Hercules Wimbledon also regained the Mixed Doubles Cup in an excellent straight three lane final, winning by 1 ½ lengths in a time of 2:17.
Surbiton’s 26.2 RRC retained the Ladies Doubles Cup contesting the new club taking part, Wimbledon Windmilers.
It should be noted that new comer, Wimbledon Windmilers, entered four crews in the gents, ladies and mixed doubles races and were a close second in three heats and finals. One of which set the fastest time of the day, a great result for crews who had not raced before in Thames Racing Skiffs.
Splendid close racing, enjoyed by all taking part.
Special thanks to all of your that took part in the races and our volunteers for who it could not of happen and we look forward to seeing once again at the event in 2019.
Just follow this link for pictures: 2018 Franckeiss Cup Photos
Additional Photo for the event can be found here: More Photos
LEGENDS
jpg 41 Wimbledon Windmilers Jeff Hoadley, Simon Adams, Stephen Pallister, Phoebe Pallister, Gina Siebler, Grantley Bridge
jpg 19 Stragglers
Dom North, John Dixon, John Previte (cox)
jpg 45 26.2 RRC
Sue Garnish, Caroline Dawson, Sonia Pritchard, Jannake Zoeteman
jpg 48 – all the competitors
RESULTS
Ladies Doubles FINAL won by 26.2 RRC crew Jannake Zoeteman and Sonia Pritchard, coxed by Astrid Geis (TSC) in a time of 2:51, by 1 1/2 lengths
Gents Doubles FINAL won by Hercules Wimbledon crew Peter Riches and CD Riches, coxed by Jasmine Holness in a time of 2:1 1, by 1/4 length
Mixed Doubles FINAL won by Hercules Wimbledon crew Vikki Filsell and CD Riches, coxed by Jasmine Holness in a time of 2:17, by 1 1/2 lengths
