Fourteen OPs lined up at the start alongside staff members Patrick and Rachel Dare, Martin Davies, Katie Dewhirst, Bonnie Steel and Emma Sherbourne-Spence. After weeks of relentless rain, the fair weather came as a welcome relief. With ideal running conditions and crowds gathering as the start time approached, the atmosphere was buzzing!

The OP runners were brilliantly supported by the dedicated run crew of Doc Dyson (Former Staff, 88-18), Jess Atkinson (97-08), Charlie Lambert (01-08), Trevor Loten (70-80), and Leanne Maycock (Former Staff, 15-25). They were on hand at the start to greet runners, collect in coats and warm layers, organise photos and the traditional start-line selfie. The crew met everyone again after the race at The Feathers, where runners were welcomed with drinks and bacon butties. Their help was invaluable and added to the team spirit on the day.

In terms of the race itself, there were some inspirational runs by OPs with some impressive times as well as many individual and personal goals and challenges achieved.

First male OP home was Harry Isenstein (07-17) in an incredible time of 1:06:29, closely followed by Louis Los (99-10) in 1:07:26. Another impressive performance was Angela Curtis (10-17) who completed the course in 1:12:04 to claim first OP lady.

A particular highlight of the day was John Paul Kelly (89-98), who took on Snake Lane for the first time and absolutely loved the experience – we hope it’s the first of many! Joining him as a first timer was Chris Haynes (78-88) who was fourth OP home which considering those ahead of him left School in 2017, 2010, and 2017 respectively, was an impressive achievement.

Chris commented: “I really enjoyed the race and the social side of things too. It was lovely to meet you and some of my old pals – for the first time since we left in 1988!”

Congratulations and a huge well done to all runners who took part, whether chasing a personal best, running for fun, or simply enjoying the atmosphere and the challenge of completing ten miles, every OP contributed to a memorable and successful day.

Here’s to Snake Lane 2027 – same smiles, same spirit, and hopefully even more OPs on the start line!

If you’ve been inspired to give Snake Lane a go next year, get in touch with Rachel in the OP office and we will add you to the OP priority list so you are the first to know when race entries go on sale in October!

OP team members for 2026 were:

Richard Briggs (81-88) 01:34:03

Charlie Cawood (99-10) 1:19:07

Angela Curtis (10-17) 01:12:04

Chris Haynes (78-88) 01:13:32

Harry Isenstein (07-17) 1:06:29

John Paul Kelly (89-98) 01:48:35

Robert Lewis (83-88) 01:28:13

Louis Los (99-10) 01:07:26

Nick Lumley (80-87) 01:35:00

John Skinner (75-82) 01:25:43

Beth Smart (07-14) 01:31:38

Richard Sutton (81-88) 01:14:54

Will Thomson (12-14) 01:17:25

Benjamin Welch (09-11) 01:16:21

Staff runners:

Rachel Dare 01:29:58 (90 minute pacer)

Patrick Dare 01:34:29 (95 minute pacer)

Martin Davies 01:24:01

Katie Dewhirst 01:31:17

Emma Sherbourne-Spence 01:52:24                 

Bonnie Steel 01:37:52