The Thomas Cup is the first cross country handicap of the new season.  It is started 'off the mark', that is
 to say,  the runners are given a handicap allowance dependant  upon their ability, with the slowest runner
 going off first, and the remainder following at 10 second, or greater intervals.                                                     
    The fastest  runner, the 'scratch man' goes off last.   If everyone runs to the form predicted by the            
 handicapper, Bruce McLaren, then they should all finish together.                            
 The winner receives the magnificent Thomas Cup, which is held  by the recipient for one year.        
  Medals are awarded to the second and third, and also to the three fastest                                                          
 men and three fastest women.                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                                  
   The Thomas Cup was first run in 1891, having been presented to the Club by Sid Thomas in 1890, which   
  he had won in a 10 mile race against E.W.Parry of Salford Harriers, the previous year.                                      
                                                                                                                                                                                                  
  The Thomas Cup Handicap is one of five events, for which points are allocated towards the Points Prize  
  Trophy.     Ten points for the fourth finisher in the handicap,  down to 1 point for the thirteenth finisher.    
  The member accruing the most points at the end of the season,  wins the trophy.                                           

  Eligibility :     Any member who has not competed in at least three events, from those listed on the fixture
  card, or in the Road Grand Prix, is not eligible to win a prize, and must run as a  'guest'.                                
                                                                                                                                                                                              
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