Chip Shop Challenge Chase 2025

On windy Friday 1st August evening a record number of runners took part in the 7th running of this popular club event - 54 people.

25 people reached the top step of the mount within 1 minute of that magical 8pm mark.

Congratulations go to Steve Wareham who finished 4 seconds before 8pm! Whilst second placed Bob Kellam finished only 5 second after 8pm!

A huge thank you goes out to David Morley for organising the event and to all of the volunteers who did an amazing job including Jenna and family, Charlie and family, Darren, John, Sephi, Amelia and the Heley's.

The following is John Fowler's report on the event:

CHIP SHOP CHALLENGE - 1st August 2025

Chapter 1 - The Invitation

It was with extreme humility and pride that I received the call from Lord Morley of Paulerspury to volunteer to marshal for the 2025 Chip Shop Challenge.  How could I refuse?

Chapter 2 - The Preparation

• Briefing notes were received from his Lordship

• Pre Race Site visits (in the plural) were undertaken

• My action plan was prepared, considered, amended and finalised

Chapter 3 - Race Day - in advance

• Action plan was checked and double checked and triple checked

• Menu options were studied - I decided to abstain

• Umbrella was placed in the back of the car (just in case)

• Reflective Jacket was placed in the car 

Chapter 4 - Race Day - arrival at The Mount

• I thought that I would be early only to be told by his Lordship that two entrants had already left

• My new T shirt was donned with pride

• I waited until the last entrant had left on their run and then I headed off to my marshal point

Chapter 5 - My Time in a Layby with a French Lorry Driver

• I arrived at the marshal point to see two entrants had already gone through

• I shared a pleasant time with the French Lorry Driver (who I shall call Henri - to protect the innocent)

• Henri was suitably bemused at the sight of solo runners, some in pairs and some in small packs streaming by

• I think, however, that he understood the concept of the Pomme Frite Challenge

• Henri referred to a race in his Country - https://www.marathondumedoc.com/en - and suggested that Popiel Tours should prepare the Charabanc

Chapter 6 - The Last Runner

• The last runner came through the layby and informed me "I am last - XXX has just overtaken me"

• I prepared to say au revoir to Henri when runner XXX appeared (now being the last runner).  Quelle surprise

• I gathered up the Silson AC sign and gave my farewells to Henri

Chapter 7 - The Journey to the Mount

• The Old Northampton Road was now festooned with event T shirts 

• Some runners were on the footpath

• Some runners were on the road

• I managed to miss them all

Chapter 8 - Back at the Mount

• I managed to park in The Mill car park

• I reached the top of the Mount having missed the earlier (far too early to win!) finishers

• I managed see all the other  runners finish with some impressive pace judgement

Chapter 9 - 2026?

• If invited, I plan to be there

• Can Lord Morley ask Henri please?