Normally our experiences of running are somewhat predictable. We might turn up at our local parkrun, knowing every inch of the route, running an almost identical time to the previous week and seeing the same faces around us as we cross the finish line.

The Hastings Runners Handicap Race is different. From a running perspective you have that uncertainly of where you’ll finish and who might come storming past you.

For the handicapper the whole success of the race depends on you. So there is an element of stress involved.

There is only so much I can do when it comes to handicapping runners. I tried my best to accommodate everyone. Several runners I know well that hadn’t raced in years and were hoping their last 5K Strava run would be the handicap time they were given. Nice try.

Other runners who emailed in telling me what their handicap time should be. I’m sure they were just trying to save me time. Hmmmmm. The pointless deadline which is always ignored with entries coming in on Tuesday and Wednesday.

For those who race regularly it’s a straightforward task and not as time consuming as you might think.

What is really different is my experience on the night. I’m not an overly confident person with no background of public speaking so gaining the attention of 130+ people for a race briefing I made up on the spot, is always a tad nerve wracking.

Once the runners are lined up I then have to tackle the task of ensuring every one starts at the right time. Sounds easy but one little distraction and you can lose your place. It’s basically a case of head down, focusing on the stopwatch and start list, there’s little opportunity to engage with the runners or enjoy in any pre race banter.

Once the runners are all out on the course it’s a case of waiting. Not knowing what is unravelling beyond the horizon, who’s in with a chance of winning and who might be struggling to match their strict handicap time I set.

Regardless of the winner, and I’m delighted it was Julia, not just for the colour of her cap, but because she’s such a lovely person, I’m always left a little frustrated that one or two get the better of my handicap. It’s inevitable in truth, but still annoying. Julia highlighted what the handicap race is all about. She’s had to battle injury and illness in the past 12 months and wasn’t that keen on running earlier in the day. But run she did, producing her fastest 5k for several years and with it the handicap title.

Soon after the first few cross the line, the carnage begins. A two minute stampede where there is little we can do as Marshalls other than to keep encouraging the runners to continue moving, which they do reluctantly. Every year the line backs up over the start (when will we learn) and then the dust settles and it’s all but over.

The final few runners are the hardest past of the race to watch. Those that haven’t been able to match the times set. Did I get them wrong? Will they be upset? Will they be put off running in future? I can only hope there were excuses for their performance and it wasn’t down to me being too harsh.

As someone that prefers to stay out the headlights (trust me I do, despite my orange shorts) being asked to present the trophies and feature in the photos is another uncomfortable moment.

Then it’s all over! Another year done. Hours of work compiling the handicaps, answering emails, handing out numbers, setting off runners, shouting “Keep Moving” and in all that time I get to see almost none of the race unfold. That’s my POV of the handicap race.

I’m very grateful for all the kind words and messages that I received before and after the event.

Congratulations to all of Team Orange who ran the race. There were some excellent times and I’ll share them on social media shortly.