Hellingly 10k Sunday 14th September 2014p

Many of you probably have not heard of this race which this year celebrated it’s 30th Anniversary. Hellingly (pronounced Hellinglie) is situated on the edge of the South Downs in East Sussex a round trip of approx 400 miles from Stone! The nearest large town is Uckfield and Hellingly is a stones throw away from Lower Dicker and Upper Dicker. The nearest coastal towns are Eastbourne 15 miles and Brighton 30 miles.

The race is organised by Hailsham Harriers and now carries the title “John Faulds Hellingly 10k in memory of one of their active runners who died in 2002 whilst out training on the Cuckoo Trail from where the race starts. ( The trail is a Sustrains 14 mile route running from Hellingly to Eastbourne along the old railway track).

This year as in previous years, the race was full with 300 runners. The route is interesting and consists of hills, followed by hills and more hills before descending the last 2 miles to the finish at Hellingly Village Hall. It is primarily country lanes with very little traffic, similar to our Flying Fox route and it skirts around Ten Acre Wood, Boniface Wood, Ladys Wood, Jarvis Wood, Sandrock Wood and Nobodys Wood. If that is not enough, you also pass Sandpit Wood, Squirrel Wood, Starvecrow Wood, Giddys Wood, Little Gensing Wood, Great Gensing Wood and finally Coneyburrow Wood, as you can guess the views are brilliant especially if you like trees. Now, I know why a fellow runner mentioned to me prior to the start of the race, when I asked what the course was like they replied it is a race you “wood” enjoy!!

During the race it was good to see no familiar faces as the majority were local club runners, hence no pressure, but unfortunately not as friendly as us in Staffordshire especially when I tried to tell them a joke or two!! The day was hot 21C and the numerous hills sapped your energy. The last 200 yards was halfway down a recently ploughed field which itself was challenging hence my finishing time of 51:10 ( 158/282 finishers) but 1st in for Stone MM and my wife Margaret finishing in 60:51.

The icing on the cake were the huge range of homemade cakes on offer afterwards, all large pieces and the Jam and Cream Sponge was soon gone and fortunately I just managed to get the last piece! Tea and Coffee were also available and everything was priced at only 50p each, not surprisingly the queue stretched all through the village hall.

This was our first race in East Sussex and hopefully not our last as overall we thoroughly enjoyed it. If you are ever down there in September, we would recommend it, especially if you like hills.

A good day out at the start of our weeks holiday in the area.

Richard and Margaret Shaw

Race Report – Lisa Russell 

Well here we go again.  The Great North is my favorite race that’s why I’ve done it more than any other race in the time I’ve been running but this year was a bit different in that the training hadn’t been ideal infact let’s say non existent!

Let’s go back to March Yes March the last time I ran over 10 miles at Stafford half, then the beginning of July I managed a 9 miler then there was 3 times I got out in France with about 5 miles a piece while on holiday….already looking dicey…yep you’d be right…so a quick run the morning that we were driving to the South Downs for a walking training weekend for my Kilimanjaro trek mid august should’ve been a great warm up…WRONG pulled calf by Meaford locks and a slow walk back! Doesn’t bode well already but add to that new shoes…OMG looking at all of that if I’d have written that before I’d done this I’d probably have stopped right here!  Anyway….

Saturday 6th just before leaving for Newcastle thought I’d best see if I could run and pootled around Bournes short run about 3miles or so with my calf taped and compression sock on…yep good to go!

So usual journey upto Newcastle, done this 8times now, and met up with my school friend and her running buddies (their first half marathons) at our usual hotel in Seaton Carew a stroll along the front, when of course everything ached, and an early night ready for the 5am alarm!

Loaded with porridge set off for the race transfer bus from Hartlepool upto the start.  The organisation for the Great North really is a feat of mega proportions especially as it’s a point to point and before we knew it we were in the thick of runners arriving at the start.  Having been there before I guess I’ve kind of got used to it a bit but as we slowed down for my friend and her buddies it was chance to take it all in again.

We made our way down to get pins from info…forgot to bring them…and water, before installing ourselves on our usual bit of Armco under the bridge.  We took turns to get drinks and join the ever increasing loo queue before it was time to split up and head to our pens! Now with everything above considered I was the furthest forward hehe!

All the bits you don’t see on TV that makes it a great race really start then, the usual banter with other runners and the warm up they lay on where everyone seems to do it anyway even if you usually do your own thing and the stripping off and discarding of everything clothes wise In the middle of the road and then before you know it you are off….well not as it took nearly 20mins to cross the start this year.  The usual out too quick was avoided as I was sensible all things considered and I made the bridge that’s almost 2miles and I Started thinking I might actually finish even though I’d memorised the pick up points!

Kept up a nice pace to about 6miles that’s about the top of the steady climb then started to slow…gel…that’ll do it…hmm praps a bit but no and about 8 miles admitted defeat and walked a bit my wheels were falling off.

A serious talking too got me going again…my charity were just ahead and I had to run past smiling! This positivity and the wonderful people that lined the route got me to about ooo 11 miles even I was impressed by now and there was no way I wasn’t going to finish!

A little walk up the hill and to be honest having done it so many times I can honestly say I’ve never seen so many people walking up the hill and that was it I could see the sea!!!! Happy days!!

Now for those of you that have done this race you know that from this point it’s about a mile to the end and it LOOKS close cause you can see the TV booms but it’s the longest mile in any race I’ve ever done. I’m sure they move!!!! But with my walk I had new impetus and before I knew I was bounding along and it turned out to be my quickest mile in the whole race….yes I can hear what you are thinking…didn’t run fast enough!!!

And then it was there…whoopee the finish…and never have I been so happy to see a finish arch in my life.  To clear the finish the other thing you don’t realise is that the finish area is about a mile long … But now I didn’t care as  I’d finished naff time but hey all things considered 2hrs16 wasn’t bad…then Mr Russell’s time flashes up on my phone…1hr56. Bugger and where did he overtake me!

Ah well plodded to our usual rendezvous to find he’d been and got our bag already.  Then a nice sit in the sun to wait for our friends and the Red Arrows who we discovered soon after weren’t doing a display at the finish as usual.

Ah well with us all reunited and medals hung round necks we started the walk back to the bus and home…

As a footnote to this story if you ever do the Great North or go up to spectate or just find yourself that way on Great North Day …don’t stop at Weatherby services…

Anyway good weekend had by all, minor miracle achieved definitely not the way to do it and yes I’ll be back!!!

South Cheshire 20 – Race Report – Mick Downes

“I don’t know why I’m doing this” seemed to be the common thought amongst the four Stone Master Marathoners who gamely made their way to Crewe for the South Cheshire 20.….

Was it the enjoyment of running 20 miles through the Cheshire & Staffordshire countryside on a lovely bright late summers morning?
Was it because they needed a 20 miler in preparation for an upcoming marathon?
Was it because they’d heard that there was a bright orange t-shirt in the goody bags?
Was it just because they loved running so much?

NO!!!!

We were all there for one thing, and one thing only…… POINTS!

Be it Stone Master Marathoners club championship points, North Staffs Road Runners Association points or both, we were only there for the points. As it turned out with just myself, Mac, Richard & Anne-Marie in attendance 3 of us were (assuming we finished) assured of 50 SMM points so it was probably more about the NSRRA points.

So after registration and the obligatory team photo (minus Mac who was otherwise engaged in a time consuming activity in the gents – I can only assume it was a very long queue!) we lined up on the road about to embark on what was advertised by South Cheshire Harriers as 20 miles of frequently hilly, mainly country lanes – what could be better!

The first few miles passed by relatively easily – with regular dips and climbs, then from 6 through to 8 there seemed to be more climbs than dips and I’d been warned about the worst hill at 9 miles. Sure enough, right on cue the 9 mile marker proudly stood on the roadside at the bottom of what can only be described as a stinger of a hill – this lasted, with the occasional dip for 2 miles. After the break of a descent and the feeling of the worst was over up popped another hill, and another, and another, granted none were as steep as the one at 9 miles but this seemed like a race that never really got any easier. The miles just kept on rolling, climb followed by dip followed by climb followed by dip all the way to the finish.

The support from the South Cheshire Harriers marshalls was superb, particularly the 2 very enthusiastic ladies at around 13 miles, the drinks stations were frequent (unlike this years Stafford 20) and all things considered I’m not sure why…. but I did enjoy it!

As for the points, there was something for everyone to be happy with….
Anne-Marie claiming 50 SMM & 50 NSRRA
Mac claiming 49 SMM & 50 NSRRA (well done Sir after your “F” ing Leek experience)
Richard claiming 50 SMM & 44 NSRRA
And myself claiming 50 SMM & 48 NSRRA

Race Report – No 1 – Julie Ebery

What a lovely event hosted by Trentham Running Club (held in memory of one of their outstanding club members). With easy parking and a well-constructed short course this made an ideal run for all levels of runners.
We had good bunch of Bats run the course which started off at Trentham Rugby Club with a loop around the pitch and grounds, then off towards the canal at Trentham for a fast pace and then back up over the fields towards the club house for a final lap of the grounds. A little up and down with some nice flats but all together a good course on grass and paths.

What made this a course special was that it suited those who wanted to test their pace for a short run. I did hear the word PB mumbled by one of our male finishers (Well Done!) and sadly I heard also ….’my slowest ever 5k’…. in a bit of a fed up voice! (I’m not saying who though, I keep my council on these matters….)

The most encouraging aspect was that some or our Beginners took part as well. Sharon completed her first race and so proud she was; and deserves to be too with such a super time. It makes me proud to consider what these new members of the club can start to achieve by being prepared to race, and then realising that racing is fun and rewarding.

All in all a lovely night out and I want to encourage more next year to take part; especially our Thursday night runners.

Race Report: No 2 – Paul Phillips

Well after a testing (but ultimately successful) Leek Half Marathon on Sunday and an easy club run on Wednesday night – I decided to brave the chilly evening and go for a quickie in Trentham.

I was unsure if there were any other Bats turning up as it appears to be a low key event dominated by the ‘Green Army’ of Trentham in commemoration of one of their founding members – as the race says ‘Dave Clarke’.

I made my way over to the registration singing ‘All by myself’ and collected my number – did my usual half hearted warm up (jogged back to the car to drop of my SMM Fleece and back up to the start area).

There amongst the green there were a few dots of red and I spotted Alex Yendole and Mark Churton both supporting their kids in the fun run but also both with numbers on, then a few others Emma Jane Clay,  Julie Ebrey, Chris and Pam Eardley and Sharon Brandwood most of which were entering their first 5k or even race in Sharon’s case.

Finally I spotted Jonathan Howell warming up, so 9 Bats in total, quite a good turnout with some new faces representing the club.

After a few minutes delay we meandered onto the rugby pitch for the start, a bit chilly but the rain holding off, and set off for a lap of the pitch before heading off across the fields. Jonathan and Mark set off well and I plodded around at my own pace with my previous best target of 22.34 in mind (done on a pleasant Hanley Park Run on fresh legs).

As with Leek a friend from Trentham had explained the course was quite testing and narrow in places so not going to speed round in PB times (21 minutes which had crossed my mind for a very brief moment).

 We left the open spaces of the rugby pitch and had a little climb up the fields (one of the narrow places) and then down onto a bobbly path down to the canal – couple of gates to tackle which stopped you in tracks but okay so far for the first mile.

Then a short stretch along the canal, passed Mark Churton and then a slight climb back up with a view to behold of the mighty Britannia Stadium (stop swearing now people!).

Jonathan was just ahead as we rejoined the earlier path and fields back down to the rugby club. Onto the rugby pitches we had to do a figure of eight round the pitches and then a nice flat finish, I felt a bit guilty passing Jonathan with about 200 metres to go but had plenty left in me (note to self – try harder) – crossed the line just inside my previous 5k time 22.13 officially.

Couple of deep breaths later turned back to the finish line to start cheering my colleagues and the other runners over the line. Alex took the photo finish between himself and Chris Eardley, both clocking impressive times of 23.08 and Mark Churton not far behind.

The ladies all crossed the line not far behind with some excellent times for first races over a relatively challenging course.

We were all rewarded with a souvenir mug and lots of flyers for forthcoming races – including one from Mark C for the upcoming St Thomas 7 – lets get plenty of Bats supporting that race!!

All in all a pleasant run out for a good cause in good company but for me feet up for a week and off to Lanzarote for sun and beers.

See you all in a couple of weeks.

Paul P

Race Report – Mac McCoig

Faced with the hilliest half marathon in the NSRRA calendar, the August weather didn’t fail to deliver: sun, rain and a strong, cold wind in equal measures provided the backdrop for my first Leek half for 15 years. And yes, it was as bad as I remembered it – worse actually.

I am currently languishing in seventh place in my NSRRA group. I was keen, therefore to improve my points total by competing in unpopular races, so I did some research on previous years’ turnout by F Group runners. Unsurprisingly, Leek Half has seen the fewest F Group runners in the last two years. Righto, I thought, I’ll do that one – good points to be gained here, even if I have to walk. So imagine my surprise when standing at the start, cold, damp, untrained and slightly hung over, there’s a sea of F’s in front of me. Literally: F in hell! What’s the matter with these people? Don’t they know when to stop?

Still, I was in good company with Mick Downes, Paul Lee, Paul Phillips, Anne-Marie Mountford and I crammed into Mick’s car off to Leek in good spirits (we were a lot quieter on the way back).

The venue and start/finish are in Brough Park and Leisure Centre with jolly entertainment provided by Roger Westhead’s New Orleans Jazz Band. All very good until you realise that Brough Park is at the top of a very large hill, which has to be renegotiated at the finish – cruel, cruel.

And so off I go to Tittesworth Reservoir and Meerbrook, where Bryan Dale is waiting to snap my picture, so I smile and pretend I’m enjoying myself. By this stage I’ve managed to get past two F Group runners and the rest have vanished into the distance ahead. No matter, I’ll reel them in later when I’m getting my second wind and they’re flagging because they went off too fast.

Yet another climb up to the Three Horseshoes at Blackshaw Moor. Then down into Upper Hulme and more climbing past Hen Cloud and up, up to the Roaches where I am rewarded with a spectacular view, a strong headwind and not a wallaby in sight. A sharp left takes me down a hill so steep that I’m almost out of control on my (by now) rubber legs. I recall this hill when we used to have to run up it – I’m so, so glad they changed to route.

Gentle running back to Meerbrook at about 10 miles. There’s Bryan again with his bloody camera – “Hello Mac!” he waves cheerily, “Harumph!”

Up the huge hill out of Meerbrook and no sign of any flagging F Group runners. Note to self: no more self-delusion please.

Finally, very painfully back up Park Road to the finish, where the SMM posse are waiting to cheer me in, thanks for waiting guys and thanks Mick for fetching my sweatshirt and driving us to Leek.

Verdict: Well organised race, lovely course, traffic free and wonderful views, but at least four F Group runners in front of me, last in for the club and a rather slow 2:08:54. Further note to self: Please don’t do that again, please (until next year).

Race Report – Paul Lee

Right it’s my turn to give a race report so here goes.

Trentham 10 k (previously Trentham 10 miles) is now only one lap of the hilly course. Can’t imagine doing Beech caves twice!!

I arrived at Tittensor village hall (race HQ) approx. 1 hour before the start . As usual I hadn’t pre-entered and preceded to the registration desk, only to be told that the race was full (300). Luckily for me and also several other late entrants naming no names ( Richard Fain). The race officials decided to increase the entrance by giving a limited number of 20  blank numbers. So I ran with a blank piece of paper with 311 written on it with black permanent marker (very classy)!!

I met up with Paul Phillips, Richard Fain, Anne-Marie and Joyce before the race. As i’m not in NSRRA this season (maybe next ??) I decided to pace make for Paul. We spotted his E group rival at the start line and decided we would get in front and stay there. About 0.25 of a mile into the race he spotted us and said better get in front of those Stone guys but he never did.

Beech caves was particularly hard in the heat (but little steps as they say). I had previously ran the course during the club run the previous Wednesday and so I knew what I was letting myself in for. Myself and Paul parted company about half way in the race after the climb up past beech caves and just before we hit the A519 for the slightly downhill section before going left up the A51 and another hill.

Unfortunately my garmin played up but I finished the course in approximately 45  minutes and Paul wasn’t too far behind me and beat his nearest NSRRA rival.

Richard Fain (first in for the club) ran well in approx. 42 minutes which wasn’t too far outside his PB and also just a second behind his NSRRA rival.

I heard that the heat took it’s toll and 2 runners had to seek medical attention. An ambulance and air ambulance were called respectively. I do hope that both runners are ok but at the time of writing I haven’t heard.

The new look Trentham 10 was well organised and very challenging but overall a success. To be honest I had forgotten I was doing this report so I do apologize ladies for not including some of your times !!

 Roll on Staffs Knot 5 miles (30th July I do believe)

 Happy Running!!

 Paul Lee

Race Report – Mike Keeling

Time for my third race of the year, St Michaels 10k. As it’s organised and marshalled by Stone Master Marathoners everybody knows it’s going to be a good race. This year it’s another sell out so 600 people racing, I can’t wait!!!

The weather has been good lately and I think everybody is hoping that on race day it won’t be quite at hot. As usual the kids wake me up at 6am, I peer through the curtains and not a cloud in the sky – it’s going to be another scorcher!!

After running a PB at the Stafford Half and Shugborough relays I was hoping for a good time and adopted the same pre-race routine; a couple of rounds of toast, strong coffee and a gentle jog to the start line. It’s just become clear how hot it’s going to be.

Arriving at St Michaels school I soon see lots of red vests and we meet up for the customary photo. Off to the start line, I cross the road to take a photo to upload to twitter and we were soon called to the line. Mick joins me and I find myself standing at the front and I don’t feel too comfortable but it’s too late to move. I discuss tactics with Mick and I want to take it easy first lap because of the heat and then see how I get on for the second lap.

The next thing I know we are off and I am feeling ok, I have a quick look around after the first kilometre and Ben Gamble is about 50 yards ahead of me, I am surrounded by NSRRA ‘A’ runners and about 15th position in the race. Now I don’t run with a GPS watch I just run on feel and at this point I should be thinking that I am going too fast, slow down and run to your plan. But no for some reason I carry on “madness in the heat” as I get to the end of the first lap the wheels finally fall off. I spend the second lap going backwards but the great local support, including my family, and support from the marshalls thankfully got me round in one piece.

After the race there was the chance to watch the other runners finish and talk to the rest of the SMM team about their races. It was great to see so many from the club running: in total there were 20 SMM runners.

I big thank you to Chris Barlow and co for organising another fabulous event.

Race report by Richard Fain

My brief was to submit a report from the Cheadle 4 – such is my organisation and the relentless NSRRA season that I find myself writing this straight after the Trentham 10k.

Cheadle 4 – 13/07/2014

It may have been World Cup Final day in Brazil – but first the serious business of the 12^th round of the NSRRA season! This was a race I had not done before which always adds an extra sense of excitement and trepidation.

Me and the future Mrs F headed out pretty late (by way of tradition, superstition, or sheer laziness this has become my usual pre-race prep!) and arrived at the course about 10 minutes before the off. This leaving no time to warm up & just enough time to register for the race – but I was feeling good having ran a sub-20 PB at Hanley Parkrun the previous morning.

I managed to meet up with Paul Phillips and Paul Lee to gauge the ideal tactics for this short but demanding course. They both seemed pretty confident (as they should be given their Wednesday club run speed!) Conditions were dry but windy and we were wondering whether it would work in our favour or not! Joyce, John (hiding) and Anne-Marie joined us for a pre-race photo. Anne and Bill were spotted in the distance warming up & attempts to shout Pam & Mac failed as they wandered over to the start – sorry guys! Special mention to Anne-Marie who was using the warm up for another race in the afternoon!

The Race!

I have regularly been coming 3^rd in my Group D category this year, and I spotted the 2 quicker guys at the start line. Rather than the standard approach I take – to run my own race and see where I am with a few miles to go – I decided I would go with their pace and see what happened today. This was not the best decision as they both rattled off a sub-6 min first mile and I clutched on to their tails about 10 seconds back! It’s always great to spot Bill during the race and get some much needed encouragement. He shouted that I should be pushing even harder at this point as it was about to get hilly!

After 1 mile of mostly flat, slightly downhill, we reached the bottom of a hill which then climbed up to about 2.5 miles. This part being the reason the race exists (we love a challenge!), I set about climbing up at a much slower pace – I clocked mile 2 at 7:45 pace and I slowly saw my NSRRA competition get further away. The hill deceptively levels and then proceeds to climb again through a wooded area as you start to tire.

At this point in the race I often find myself around the same group of runners which is both comforting (you know you’re on a sensible pace) and a bit rubbish (they know your tactics!). Special mention to Dave Ford (Newcastle) and Sarah Wilson (South Cheshire) who run well and always have a few comments!

At the top of the hill you start heading back to the finish which I was pleased to find was nearly all downhill. And what a downhill! This set me up for a consistent mile 3 at 6:24 and mile 4 at 6:23. There was still a bit to do in mile 4 and I was definitely tiring but the finish on playing fields offered a good chance for a sprint finish. Unfortunately I was not close to anyone so I rather limped to the finish. The man on the tannoy called out Michelle in front of me as 2^nd Lady home which got a good cheer and I crossed the line in 26:33 – just the 18 seconds behind my NSRRA competition – so will have to try different tactics next time!

Paul Lee and Paul Phillips had been pacing each other round with the Group E top spots up for grabs and both finished sub 29. Paul Phillips in particular with a good sprint finish battle which I think he won although there may have been a problem in the funnel at the end!

Everyone I spoke to afterwards seemed really happy with their times (viewable on this website now!)

Overall it was a race that was well organised, challenging and rewarding – but ultimately a little bit short. We don’t get any other 4 milers so it is a chance to practice that middle ground between the 5k and 5 mile, but I reckon there is the basis for a really great 10k+ course there!

Roll on Trentham 10k (Over to Paul Lee!)

Race Report by Mick Downes

This years Westbridge 5 saw a slight change from previous years. As the club took a step back from organising duties to concentrate on arranging the Flying Fox marathon up stepped our local celebrity running couple of Mr & Mrs Gamble to take on the task of not only organising a race but also raising funds for UHNS Neonatal Unit at the same time and it’s fair to say they did a bloody good job of both tasks………

This was the first time I’d ran the Westbridge 5, having marshalled on a few occasions in the past it was time to run it – mainly down to the fact it was also Race Day 8 of the North Staffs Road Runners Association series.

The day itself didn’t take the usual laid back preparation I generally have before a race – there was a bit of running around to do even before the start as I had to make a journey to drop my Son off for his cricket match at Moddershall before getting back to Stone and then making the return journey to Modd (hopefully before play had ended). With the sun blazing the weather on the day certainly seemed more in tune for a relaxing morning watching cricket rather than doing a 5 mile race but there were NSRRA points up for grabs so with both myself and boy sun creamed it was off to Westbridge.

After parking I was introduced by Tim to his nephew – 20 years my junior – “this is David, he’s just done Edinburgh Half in 1:26 so it should be a good race between you two” Cheers Tim, not only am I racing against the others in my NSRRA group but I now feel obliged to attempt to beat your nephew as well!

The race started and off we went – at least the sun had mainly dried out the field at the back of Westbridge Park although there were still a couple of soggy areas – round Westbridge and out onto the canal. We took a pretty quick start going through the first mile in 6:06 and as we dropped onto the canal the heat started to hit me (I’m not the best runner in heat) I could feel my legs get heavier as we headed towards Aston and David disappeared into the distance – miles 2 & 3 got progressively slower 6:28 followed by 6:42 up the bit of a slope to join the A34 where Tim & Jim (what a comedy double act!) directed everyone right back towards Stone, although they did try to turn me left?!!

As I headed along the straight road back I could see David about 30 meters in front and thought this is my chance to close the gap, when I turned off the A34 to head back into Aston I’d closed to within 10 meters, however I was feeling it again by this stage and by the time we were rejoining the canal he was again about 20 meters in front….. Bloody youngsters! As I approached the last mile it was time for one last big effort, the gap seemed to be closing again and within half a mile I was up level with him and could see 2 Group C runners in front as well, time to really dig in – as I went past David he commented that he was done for. Onto the ‘C’ runners….. However, despite my best efforts and a last mile of 6:25 I just could not reel them in and it was a slightly disappointing 5th place in my category – I blame it on the sun. But I could head back to the car knowing the Mars bar from my goodie bag was waiting safe from the sun in the compartment between the front seats…………. The one I’d left open with the Mars bar in full view of the Sun!!!!!! Not so much a chocolate bar now, more a chocolate drink.

14 other Stone Master Marathoners raced and decent points were picked up again by our NSRRA contingent along with some PB’s along the way – a great effort in the heat.

As for the main race our local man won his own race comfortably – I did take the opportunity to mention to him how rude it was to invite all these people to his race and then win it himself – although his excuse was he was under strict instructions from Mrs G to make sure he won it, so I guess that’s fair enough. All in all a great race organised for a great cause and I reckon I’ll be back to race again next year.