Winos on the Run

(by Peter Richards MW)

It was a real carnival atmosphere at Denbies Wine Estate on Saturday 13th September as we lined up among thousands of runners, most in fancy dress, to take part in the Surrey Bacchus Half Marathon (and, for some of us, the fun run beforehand too).

After running the Medoc Marathon last year, Susie and I wanted to do something else in memory of our great friend and former Master Vintner Michael Cox. We were joined by 14 plucky souls, among them Michael’s wife Lynne, to take on the notably hilly course, which also featured wine refreshments en route.

While I ran the course dressed as Richard the Lionheart and partook of said refreshments (the last glass of sparkling wine producing my fastest mile split in the last mile of the race…mind you, it was downhill) others took the race a bit more seriously. Micah Dougall came home in 6th position overall, while Lynne won the ladies’ race and Sally Easton came sixth in the same. Superstars!

I was very proud of all the team, who were: Alvaro Arriagada (Wines of Chile), Gabriel Bloise (Chakana), Sally Easton MW, Lynne Cox, Tamara Larder, Simon Larder, Oliver Marsh (Ridgeview), Micah Dougall, Robbie Toothill (Lay & Wheeler), Lizzie Burton (Hallgarten Druitt Novum), Rosie Bowerman, Dan Eastley, Emily Torjussen (Wine Festival Winchester & Social You). Thanks to Sophie Jump (JumpStart) and to Susie for providing key support and back-up.

We were raising funds for The Vintners’ Foundation, which supports those affected by alcohol abuse, funds alcohol education initiatives and assists both research and schools. We still have a few days left to make our target total so any donations would be extremely gratefully received via our JustGiving page. Thank you in advance – and thanks too to everyone who’s supported us so far.

Overall, it was a great day out, so thanks to Denbies, the organisers Events to Live and all the stewards and marshals who made it all happen.