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26th Jan 2006

“Ready lads? Right then. Take your marks, GO!!!!” 

These were the famous words that started off the Corps cross-country races on the 21st of January 2006. Most important of these races were the Junior Boys and the Junior Mens race. This is because in these races were Corporal Denham and Sergeant Otulakowski. 

Travelling to RAFC Cranwell on the 20th January 2006, the night before the races, Sgt Otulakowski and I could only wait in anticipation for the races the next day. After a short nights sleep, waking at 0555 hours (which ensured hot showers) we had breakfast at the junior ranks mess. Before long it was time to head to the track in order to prepare for the inevitable race that was to come. 

At 0945 the Junior Boys race set of a quick pace in which Corporal Denham initially established a 3rd place position. He held this place for some time, but being a national race the competition was strong and therefore he dropped a couple of places. After a strong effort on his part Cpl Denham finished in 17th place, in a time of 20 minutes 53 seconds. Minutes later the Junior Mens race started and Sgt Otulakowski gave a fantastic race. Starting with the pack in the middle, he quickly picked off the other competitors, working his way up the line. Entering into the final 500 metres of the race Sgt Otulakowski was in 3rd place and despite the efforts of the runner in 4th, he finished in spectacular style with medal to collect. 

With the races over the presentation ceremony followed with Sgt Otulakowski gaining a bronze individual medal, and a gold team medal, along with the junior mens trophy. At the end of a day of great achievement both runners from 134 (Bedford) Squadron received regional blues, a first for Corporal Denham and A second for Sergeant Otulakowski. Due to finishing in the top four of his race Sgt Otulakowski, will now go on to represent the Corps against the Lincolnshire cross-country team on the 1st April 2006 for which he will receive a the coveted Corps blue. 

Sgt Otulakowski collecting the Junior Mens Trophy on behalf of the team

AWO Taylor commented, “Both the Cpl and the Sgt should be congratulated on their outstanding performance, and the best of luck to Sgt Otulakowski when he represents the Corps, this has been a fantastic effort from both cadets.”

Cpl Sean Denham