Several old friends of Spike were also taking part and he continued his rivalry with the other RL mascots and challenged them to try to beat him to the finish line.

He mingled with the other mascots, but the celebrities came looking for him and soon he was seen with Sally Gunnell and had the Page 3 girls flocking around him.

The comments in the race programme read:-
Spike could cause havoc today and is best avoided. Watch your behinds Mascots or you could feel a nasty prick and not be able to sit down for a week. Having not run before his only form is from Bungee jumping and obviously has the courage to defend his team. Keep an eye on your drinks ladies! Best watch the market.

Pre race Spike and the other mascots took part in a game or murder ball before the RL mascots took on the RU mascots in a game of touch rugby (well it was supposed to be touch!). The RL mascots showed their skills and ran out the 14 - 10 winners.

The race saw the Mascots with the biggest feet given the front row at the start. Spike would have to start from the pack. From the off they all fought for position and Spike avoided the mass pile up at the first fence and continued on in the leading group.

Freddie the Fox showed them all a clean pair of heals to win. Spike was still in the running for a top 10 finish, but stopped at the line to pose for a photo finish. Spike finished the day in 25th position and beat all the other RL mascots. Not a bad result for the first outing over the distance from the Town hero.

After the race Spike invited the other RL mascots who have not visited Derwent Park to come and join him the next time their team are in town.

'Freddie The Fox' from the Countryside Appreciation Group' was later disqualified from first place at the request of the 'Countryside Appreciation Group' after he was unmasked as an Olympic hurdler.

The race was awarded to the second past the post 'Dazzler The Lion' from Rushden & Diamonds Football Club. 'Chaddy The Owl' from Oldham Athletic Football Club was awarded second place, third place was awarded to 'Bernie The St. Bernard Dog' from the Northampton Saints Rugby Union Club and fourth place went to 'Priscilla the Purrfect Cat', from Evention.

Spike says he will train hard all through the season and will return next year. All the other Rugby mascots can look out because Spike wants to be first past the post.