Arriving with 45 minutes to spare I entered and mingled with the other club runners. There was a sea of wilmslow runners, it was one of there club series, so consequently half the field seemed to be made up of there blue and yellow tops. My hopes for a dry run were soon dashed when the heavens opened, and we had a torrential downpour with 15 minutes to go, all the runner's huddled under the entry tent. Fortunately it was a quick shower and I had time for a 5 minute warm up.
At 11.00am we were called into the middle of the road, where the local dignitary (an MP) said a few words, and we were sent on our way. There was no gentle introduction to this race, it was basically a 3 mile uphill grind, initially on roads then onto the fells, this hurt, a lot, and I resorted to a few bits of walking which I find humiliating, but was in good company. The next 2 miles were a blast downhill across fields, then paths and a welcome mile along a canal towpath.
Typically as with most races, you think the worst is over, but more often than not there's a sting in the tail, this was no different, we came off the canal then had a nasty 1/2 mile ascent up a muddy narrow path. I managed to keep my momentum going and got too the top of the path then onto a road, where we had a final mile downhill run to the finish. I finished in 50 minutes and a few seconds and came relatively well up in the field, I was pleased.
This was a great run, very reasonable (£6), and for a good cause. Its run which takes you over lots of different terrains, fells, fields, canals so you can forget about getting a pb, and just enjoy it for what it is, a lovely run!
Highly recommended.
Tony