Arriving at Rudyard train station (the start point for the race) in good time, we went through the race formalities and entered and put on our bibs. These races are great for a number of reasons, they take you to some beautiful areas of staffordshire and cheshire you would not normally run, they're also very friendly, with familiar faces from other clubs and parkruns turning up, which make the events a sociable friendly affair.0
At 7.15 pm we were called to the start point, a trail path alongside the railway, this was a bit of a squeeze, with something like 200 runners packed at the starting area, after a few brief words we were sent off on are way. The first 2 miles were a flat trail run along the railway line and around the southern shore of the lake, this was a nice gentle introduction with what was to follow. Darren had now sped of into the distance, and I had settled in with a group of runners a bit further back. On reaching the far end of the lake we picked up a narrow lane which gently ascended up into the hills on the opposite side of the lake. The course then weave'd through woodland ascending and descending along trails and paths, then eventually dropped down to the lake where we crossed to the opposite side again. The last section was a 1/2 mile blast back along the railway line, where we finished at the train station. Darren in true form had finished a good bit earlier, and in typical Striders fashion, was there to cheer on his fellow club mates, myself and Paul who finished a bit further back, Paul put in an impressive sprint finish.
After the obligatory club photo we made are way home all agreeing this was a great run and a perfect way to spend a midweek summers evening.
Darren Varley 30 mins 51 sec (9th)
Tony Taylor 32 mins 34 secs (19th))
Paul Nicholls 44 mins 18 secs (131st)
Tony