Great Baddow Virtual Races Autumn 2020

Great Baddow Virtual Races

Chelmsford Mildmay and Chelmsford Rivermead Rotary Clubs, organisers of the Edmund Carr Great Baddow Races, were thwarted by the current pandemic, having twice to defer the event.

However, their Races Team, drawn from members of both clubs, remained undaunted and set up a Virtual Races event for both the 10 mile and 2 mile distances, to be run by athletes around their own locally planned courses.

By downloading a free distance/timing App, their results could be suitably judged. All participants would receive a medal and be able to collect sponsorship for their own causes. 

The Fastest Male over the 10 miles was Andrew Smith of Witham RC in 1 hr 8min 42 secs. He commented:

‘Due to the weather I did not take a selfie as it wasn't a pretty sight!’

 The Fastest Female was Natalie Simmons, a solo athlete, in 1hr 19min 19 secs.

The most interesting route disclosed was that chosen by George Thomas, using the old Flitch Way railway line between Bishop’s Stortford and Dunmow. 

Some feedback from the runners outlined their pleasure with the Virtual competition.

Lee Burgess commented, 

‘This is my 11th Baddow race in a row and I would have been gutted to miss it this year, thanks for making the virtual race happen.’

Jodee Mayer said,

‘Thank you for putting this race on, my original plan was to run most of the route in Baddow but other commitments meant I had to combine this with my Essex Way Relay leg.’

Participants came mostly from local Essex clubs, but with some from further afield such as Ipswich and even Swaledale in the Yorkshire Dales! The organisers’ Rotary Club members also participated with their best efforts on the lovely autumn day in mid-September.

The event proved a great virtual success as the Great Baddow Races continued for another momentous year to benefit the organisers’ charities: Dementia Adventure and Barrow Farm Riding for the Disabled.