The race is a charity race, held in aid of the RSPCA, a charity to put a stop to the cruelty of animals, this was a good enough reason for doing the race and was held on Sunday 8th June
Runs don't come much better than this, a 12.5 km trail run on cycle paths around lake carsington. The race is described as undulating, but I think 'hilly' is a better description, with a lot short steep climbs and descents, despite this, the views of the lake and Derbyshire countryside, more than make up for it.
After getting lost a few times on route, I arrived at the Carsington visitors centre with a good hour to spare before the start. Fortunately the weather gods were looking down on us and the torrential down pours of Saturday had moved on, and we were left with a beautiful Sunday morning of blue sky and sunshine.
I collected my race number, borrowed someone's dog for a pre race photo, had a quick warm up and was ready to go. 250 runners gathered for quick pre race briefing, before we were sent off on our way. Having turned 50 earlier this year, I have given up on all the pre race tactics, and just concentrate on keeping myself going and getting around the course. Fortunately after struggling in a race last week, I felt a little fresher this week and was able to hit a comfortable stride.
We rounded the lake in clockwise direction, and the first 2 miles were along flattish cycle track to the far east end of the lake, however on turning onto the southern length of the lake (4 miles long long) things got a lot tougher, with a series of short steep climbs and descents which were tough going.My running felt good though and I slowly overtook runners, and was never passed.
At the 7 mile mark, we were left 3/4 mile run home along a dam wall, and finally back to the visitors centre for the finish. I was with 2 other runners and was able to find a bit of strength and pulled away to finish a credible 9th out of 230, in a time of 53 mins 26 secs, and first vet over 50. Saying I was pleased was an understatement.
This is a great race, I highly recommend it, well organised, great scenery and for a good cause.
For more information visit the website.
Tony Taylor