Bowlhead Green Handicap Chase
2026 Event
Friday 17 July 2026 — first runner sets off at 6:00pm from The Punchbowl.
Following the success of last year's event being held earlier in the year to take advantage of the lighter evenings, this year's BHG Handicap Chase returns to The Punchbowl.
Last year's event was won by Steve Pendegrass who will no doubt be keen to hold onto the trophy. Previous winners have come from all three of the club's running groups, with the event being inclusive to all abilities. Come give it a try — perhaps you could be this year's winner and take home the prestigious trophy.
The Concept
Based on the Bowlhead Loop Strava segment, entrants are set off in a handicap chase. The runner with the slowest recorded time for the segment sets off first, with all other runners following in sequence until the runner with the fastest previous time sets off last of all.
Hopefully, if the handicap system works, all runners will finish in close proximity — we may well need a photo finish to determine the winner!
Race Information
- When: Friday 17 July 2026, 6:00pm first runner
- Start/Finish: Top of the boat road, Devil's Punchbowl Car Park
- Distance: 8.5 miles (13.7 km), out and around Bowlhead Green
- Format: Handicap chase
- Eligibility: All HBAC members, all abilities
What is a Handicap Chase?
In a handicap chase, runners are given staggered start times based on their previous recorded time for the segment. Slower runners start first; faster runners start later.
The goal is for everyone to cross the finish line at roughly the same time, making it a thrilling race where anyone can win!
Route
Starting at the top of the boat road, the 8.5-mile (13.7 km) route takes runners out and around Bowlhead Green before returning to the finish line at the top of the boat road.
The route follows the Bowlhead Loop Strava segment.
Rules
- Each entrant needs to have either run or jogged the route prior to the event, to ensure you are familiar with it and to record your time.
- To confirm your start time, please email your fastest time for the segment this year to press@hbac.co.uk.
- There may be some ‘organiser's discretion’ for starting times, and your times from last year's race will be considered when calculating starting times to ensure the finish is as close as possible.
- We will be organising a few social run-outs of the segment before the event, for anyone who is unsure of the route or would prefer to run as part of a group — dates to follow.
- Please remember that this is not a race and it is not marshalled, so you are responsible to run with normal due caution and care.
After the Chase
At the end of the chase, the crowning of the BHG winner will be followed by drinks and refreshments at The Punchbowl. It will be great to see as many runners as possible, and we look forward to seeing who will be crowned the 2026 BHG winner.
How to Enter
If you wish to enter, please email Ann Varnes or Janet Govan at press@hbac.co.uk with your fastest time for the segment this year.
For general queries, you can also reach us via the contact page or speak to a committee member at training.
2025 Winner
Steve Pendegrass
Congratulations to Steve Pendegrass, winner of the 2025 Bowlhead Green Handicap Challenge!