Well I’m well pleased. I ran this race in 2013 and I
think I also did it in 2014. My time then was 58.15. Today,
I smashed it and finished 4th in my age category with a time
of 53.51. Denis did 1.01.
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| Liz blowing a kiss to her adoring public |
This local race is not for the faint hearted as it is a tough hilly course. However, today the weather was just right for running. Both Denis and I donned our shorts and vests and lined up on the start line. The race was full and the field was large. There was no count down or gun so everyone just surged forward making sure we hi the chipping mat. Once we turned right onto the main road there was a little bit of a climb over the bridge then it flattened out for about a minute. As you looked ahead you could see the dreaded ‘pylon’ and we both knew that meant a 3 K climb to the top. At this point you feel you are about to shake hands with god. Once the hill was mastered, it was a sharp turn to the left and a downwards stretch (yeah). A few more hills and then you get on to a tinder path – This was the last stretch home and I was feeling strong so focused on those in front and managed to pass them. I played cat and mouse with Liz Tidswell for about ½ a mile but managed to stay out in front . I overtook a Newcastle (Staffs) runner who shouted at me to catch the lass in front, which I did and this helped me come in a massive 6 minutes faster than the last time I ran this course. This year instead of getting a mug when we finished, we got a larger with a nice glass.
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| Liz crossing the finish line |
For more information visit the race website.