Wine trade team excels in Bacchus race

A team of 14 runners from the international wine trade have proven their mettle and raised vital funds for charity in the Surrey Bacchus Half Marathon.

L-R: Team Bacchus members Lynne Cox, Alvaro Arragiada, Peter Richards MW, Rosie Bowerman and Gabriel Bloise (Photo: Lynne Whitaker)

The race, modelled on the celebrated Marathon du Medoc in Bordeaux, began with a lap of Denbies Wine Estate in Surrey before giving way to more rugged surrounding terrain. As in the Marathon du Medoc, many of the runners competed in fancy dress, enjoying a plentiful supply of wine along the route.

Team Bacchus captain Peter Richards MW embraced the carnival atmosphere with vigour, running the entire course dressed as Richard the Lionheart, complete with sword. A revitalising glass of sparkling wine at the final drinks station brought him sprinting to the finish.

Other members of the team eschewed wine in favour of water in order to concentrate on their running. Favourite Lynne Cox, running in memory of her late husband Michael, won the ladies’ race, while hotly tipped Sally Easton MW was close behind, finishing sixth lady overall.

The team also included Alvaro Arrragiada from Wines of Chile, Gabriel Bloise, Chakana winemaker from Argentina, and Tamara and Simon Larder and Oliver Marsh from Ridgeview.

Micah Dougall and Robbie Toothill (Lay and Wheeler), Lizzie Burton (Hallgarten Druitt and Novum), and Rosie Bowerman, Dan Eastley and Emily Torjussen (Winchester Wine Festival) completed the line-up, while Susie Barrie MW and Sophie Jump (Jump Start) offered their support from the bench.

The Surrey Bacchus Half Marathon was established to raise funds for the Vintners’ Foundation, a charity which supports those affected by alcohol abuse and funds alcohol education initiatives.

Readers can still help the runners to reach their £2,000 fundraising target by donating via their Just Giving page.