The weather improved enough to make it the most like summer that we have had for a couple of weeks. Neil Blackman, the Soar Valley race organiser, proved that it doesn't take a cast of thousands to produce a good race, with only 3 of them running the whole thing. Altogether it was a good day out for those who raced.
Apart from the Nationals at the end of August, it was the last opportunity in the Midlands for individuals to qualify to race at the 2008 Hasler Finals. However, despite it being the closest race apart from our own and the last chance to score Hasler points for the club, the fewest number of NKC members to attend the Soar Race in the past few years, made it a little disappointing for us.
Other clubs, like Burton, Lincoln & Gailey had clearly made an effort to turn out as many paddlers as possible and with 20 odd Lightning paddlers, there were around 90 competitors in total. Like most Midlands races this season though, K2 competitors above Div 7 were almost non-existant, and Div 9 was much lower than would be hoped.
Those NKC members who did attend had mixed fortunes. The hot sunshine raised the temperature quite high, making the water seem inviting and we topped the swimming table with ease. However, good results were produced by Ian in Div 4, Norman in Div 5, Shobhanaa in Div 7, Ozzie in the Under 10 Lightnings and Heather & Alison in Div 8 K2. Kath & Donna were also in the Div 8 K2 medals.
Let's hope a few more NKC members make it to Ironbridge for the first qualifying race of the 2009 Hasler season on 10th August.
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