Race Report: Eastridge Trail Race 04/07/2015

I signed up for the Eastridge trail race, not fully appreciating what was in store!
I knew it was a half marathon, and that it went up onto the Stiperstones ridge, but that was about it.

The race started and finished in Snailbeach, south west of Shrewsbury.  It was an early start from Sandbach to get there in time for 10am, but I managed to persuade the family to accompany me on the premise that there would be "things to do".



We arrived at the village hall and walked up to the race start at the edge of the forest.  It was a warm, humid day.   The route was a complex affair - I couldn't really figure it out.  Lots of loops around the forest, then an "out and back" along the Stiperstones ridge.  The start was comfortable enough but we quickly turned off the main track to head uphill, then downhill, then uphill again.  This was the theme for things to come.  

At 3 miles there was a hill so steep, somebody had tied rope between the trees to enable you to haul yourself up it!  I had a false hope that this was as bad as it would get, but it wasn't to be.  There were lots more ups and downs until we left the forest to commence the 1.5mile long climb up to the top of Stiperstones.  This went on forever, not helped by the leaders coming back in the opposite direction (all looking fresh and floating over the rocks, typically).  At the very top of the climb there was a bucket to leave a wristband in (to prevent people cheating and missing out the long climb).  

I was pretty much spent by this point, so I decided to stop and take some photos of the marvellous view.  Then it was back the way we had come - but at least downhill this time. The path was hard and rocky and my feet were killing me on the way down.

There were still plenty of ups & downs to come, and by 11 miles I was stumbling along and just willing the finish to arrive.  I finished in 2 hours 11 minutes.  Thankfully I found Amy and Adam at the finish line enjoying a picnic.  They had enjoyed a pleasant morning; wandering around the lead mines, up to the top of the ridge and a game of football too.  At least they were on hand to drive me home!

It was a very pleasant route and the views from the ridge were spectacular.  But be warned: its a toughie!  I was in no sense well prepared for it.

It was also exceptionally well organised.  There was plenty of water and snacks out on the course - even for me being somebody who needs a lot of fluids.  There were no route finding difficulties and lots of marshalls to lend encouragement.  I also got lots of compliments about "having come all the way from Sandbach" which was nice.

Recommended - but goes in the difficult box.

Tom