Cara Shirley is the 2012 holder of the Prosser Cup. Contested on Saturday, and the last event on the club calendar for the 2012 season, the cup is raced on handicap around the streets of Blenheim, encompassing an 8.2 km circuit. The Prosser Cup dates back to 1949 and up until 2002 it was awarded to the first male across the finish line. In recent years it has been presented to the overall winner regardless of gender. The Prosser Cup doubles as the Women’s Road Handicap event and Cara also claimed this title.
Cara won on a handicap time of 71 minutes and 49 seconds, just 13 seconds clear of runner-up Emily Burgess. Third place went to Bill Hunter. Robbie Barnes recorded the fastest actual time of 30 minutes and 49 seconds.
Leanne Barnes won the walker’s title, more than five minutes ahead of runner-up Barry Hyndman. Kay Leach finished third a further four minutes back. In the junior grades Hunter Bendell, Amber Bendell, Emily Munro, Anna Barnes, Bailey McKay, Hannah Munro and Piers Landon-Lane won titles.
Who ate the most jellybeans?
Junior prize giving followed the afternoon racing. Hunter and Sophia Bendell were aptly rewarded for their outstanding efforts during the season by being awarded the Vulcan and Western Trophies respectively. The Vulcan Trophy is awarded to the Most Promising Midget (12 and under) Boy. The Western Trophy is awarded to the Outstanding Midget (12 and under) Girl.
David Bendell completed an extra 5 km during the prize giving to pick up the trophies won by Sophia and Lucy.
The senior prize giving saw Tom Burgess awarded the President Trophy, awarded for Best Club Spirit, recognising his valuable contribution to the new club website. The John Western Memorial Cup for sportsmanship went to Steve Olsen for the second year in succession. The Anita Neal Trophy for the Most Improved Runner throughout the season was awarded to Cara Shirley and Ray Waters was named Marlborough Harrier of the Year. Kay Leach received the trophy for Most Improved Walker at the senior prize-giving. This is the second year in succession that she has claimed the silverware.