Race Report – Tim Hulse

The Chester Marathon has been voted the best UK Marathon for two years running now by Runners World. It’s also one of my favourite races, and this year would be my third time running it after missing out last year. I should also declare, to those who don’t already know, that my Brother is one of the two co-organisers!

I know first-hand how much hard work goes into organising the race after helping look after the Start / Finish last year, and I know that their reputation is the result of hard work and meticulous preparation (E.G. my briefing pack was over 20 pages!). There is a fantastic bunch of people with highly experienced and dedicated team leaders, marshals and helpers – I believe appx 600 in total!

With my less intensive training regime I’d done about 3 x 20 milers in training and thought I’d be OK to get round in a sensible manner. It’s much easier when you’re no longer obsessed with the time – it takes the pressure off and makes the running easier.

I arrived the on the morning of the day before to help set up the Start / Finish at the Racecourse, most of the heavy lifting was already done so I had a relatively easy role of putting up appx a mile of MBNA (main sponsor) branding along the racecourse with the help of a few others (including my son Arran age 11). We finished at about 7pm and went to a Steak House restaurant in Chester with the race crew. In the past I’d been obsessed with carb loading before a Marathon mostly on Pasta. There was no pasta on the menu but I wasn’t bothered but remember thinking that this would have caused stress in the past!

I’d stayed over and as such I was able to avoid starting out at a daft hour – unlike Arran who was out with his uncle and cousins before 6am to help out!  After breakfast (again not the usual pre race menu – just what was available) I set out and drove to the racecourse, thankful that I knew the back route and so avoided much of the race traffic in the City Centre.  The parking was on the grass of the racecourse, at that time of the morning (7:30am) the grass is wet with dew but there were plastic overshoes provided for runners to keep trainers dry (another of my jobs the previous day – unwrapping thousands of these!).

I joined the start pen’s about 10 mins before the start and lined up midway in the 3:30hr pen next to Magnus, a friend from Chester Tri. The race started at 9am prompt with just under a mile on the race course itself, after that it was out on a short loop and through the landmarks of Chester City Centre. We started off fine and focussed on keeping to 8mm pace for the first mile while runners streamed past us. After 2-3 miles people seemed to settle into a pace and we started to gradually climb through the field still keeping at a steady pace (7:50mm).

We passed Magnus’ wife and friend after appx 3-4 miles in Zone 2 (I know that because Magnus looked after this zone in previous years – and nominated his friend to take over this year!), and then started to enter the countryside in what I learnt was the Duke of Westminster’s estate (his houses have a unique brick pattern) – Mangus was an excellent tour guide! We passed the first 10k timing mat a shade under 49mins, so far so good.

As I settled my pace quickened slightly to the low 7:40s as we ran out into North Wales and Magnus took a pit stop and left me to fend for myself. The miles seemed to tick by relatively easily and I continued to pass many runners on a consistent basis. My next landmark was the 12 mile mark where there is a short overlap with the faster runners just over 2 miles ahead. I also knew that Kenny (another from Chester Tri) was looking after this Zone as usual, so looked out for him and it was comforting to see him and get a bit of encouragement. The second 20k timing mat showed just under 48 mins for the second 10k, a bit quicker as I’d expected. After a 2 mile loop at the halfway stage we I passed Kenny again and started to head back towards Chester, so far so good.

The next focus point was the 30k timing Mat, this is the phase of the race I used to struggle at when racing faster and would usually suddenly tire at the halfway point. The aim was to maintain the consistent pace through the villages of Holt and Farringdon. I’d taken on board a few sips of Lucozade at the earlier drinks stops and had a few jelly babies– all provided by enthusiastic spectators. I didn’t bother with Gells during the race (I used to take 4-6 on a Marathon) although Steve Fenney later suggested that maybe I’d have benefited from a couple in the later stages. There was a short hill coming out of Farringdon – where Sparker jumped out on me 2 years ago after riding up to support – but unlike 2 years previously I easily resumed the same flat pace after I got to the top. I managed to maintain a consistent pace in the 7:40mm range and again finished the third 10k in appx 48 mins.

The next focus was the 20 mile mark which came after my fastest mile of the race (7:35mm) on a slight downhill, at this point I passed Andy (co Race Organiser) and appreciated the encouragement. I continued to run well for the next couple of miles, and passed more runners as the Metric Marathon runners (they started an hour later on a different course) joined us for the last few miles, and then started to tire a bit at mile 23 and dropped off to 8:10mm pace. I passed Jan at this stage (wife of Dave, a star of the organising team) and passed a few words of encouragement (we were both tired). At this stage I was focusing on a mile at a time and maintaining the pace and continued to pass runners as I’d done since the early stages. Up ahead at 24.5m was the hill at Sandy lane (notorious on this course) but nothing like what we train on in Stone. However it this stage of a Marathon it’s likely to bite. I continued to plug away at 8:10mm pace and got to the hill and steadily climbed – however this year it didn’t seem as steep as the last time.

I reached the 40k timing mat tired. The fourth 10k was appx 50 mins,  slower but the wheels were still on. At this stage we were back in Chester and after a short spell on the main road we headed down to the river Dee for the final run in. This is a great section with lots of vocal support – however this stage seemed to go on for longer than it should have. The tiredness and caution at this stage enabled a few runners to pass me for the first time, but I easily resisted the urge to push harder and challenge. Eventually I could see the final bridge after which I knew was the Racecourse and appx 800m to the finish. I maintained the pace and ran back on to the grass of the Racecourse and maintained the 8:10mm pace. As I approached the final 50m I heard my name on the PA – no special treatment, they have a sensors on the home straight to enable the commentators to identify runners from the timing chips.

I headed towards the line and raised the hands in customary manner and crossed the line to be immediately greeted by Arran who handed me my medal. Fantastic.  I managed 3:26:03 which was roughly where I thought I may finish, despite not setting any firm targets.

I went for a quick shower (as quick as it possible after a Marathon) had a pint of Guinness with my nephew (who has now beat my 5k and 10k PB’s and is getting close to my HM PB) and used my contacts to get back through to the finish area to watch the runners finish – Arran was still busy with his finish area duties. It was great to watch the finishers, and watching loved ones, as they crossed the line and the array of emotions that followed – a special place to be.

All in all a good run and a great day out for Arran – he had the time of his life helping out. Cheers to the Chester Marathon crew – we’ll be back next year.

Race Report – Julie Ebery

A balmy late September day greeted our club runners at the first Cross Country Race of the series, held at Winsford.

We had a spirited turnout from our SMM Ladies: Margaret, Alison, Anne-Marie, Julie E, Rachel and Emma. Rachel and Emma were our first timers and we were delighted to have them. They paid tribute to the event with bringing gorgeous post-race goodies. In total we had brownies, apple cake, scones…..

The gentlemen were a little sparse and sadly Richard and Kevin were our honorary men; but insufficient to make up a team – where were the rest of our SMM Males??

The going was firm underfoot although the grass was a little long and spongey in places. There was a good turnout and a super atmosphere. The course is simple and effective. Running around the perimeter of a sports field with a few hills and wooded areas, made the event intimate as our supporters could see us most of the way round.

The ladies race was just over 3 miles and certainly not muddy at all. We were proud to support SMM and came in with some good times. Moreover the spirit that ensued within the team was the highlight.

The mens race started in earnest and Kevin and Richard maintained a strong pace throughout the race. When our boys ran past our club cheerers, ‘our SMM ladies’ were highly spirited. Kevin stayed in the ‘zone’, and maintained his composure, however Richard was so excited he danced around a tree (much to the delight of both the SMM ladies and the Market Drayton ladies). The gents ran an honourable distance of over 6.5 miles.

Well done to all our SMM’ers. The sad news is that we failed to have a men’s team, but nevertheless we all enjoyed the day, thanks to good cakes and an enthusiastic attitude.

On a final note, Cross Country shouldn’t be seen as something scary. It is a team event and a great deal of fun, bringing club members together.

We’d love to have more support from or members, so please if you are interested, let Alison or Jonathan know.

Race Report – Richard Fain

…And so to Tean we went – where the St Thomas 7 mile race awaited in the 18^th round of the NSRRA series. This was my 11^th event of the year, and with only 2 more events to come afterwards, a vital source of points!

I remembered this fairly undulating course from last year and was hoping to get a good pb. The only issue being that I had not done any races for 2 months and had given myself a summer off whilst on honeymoon! I dug out my tatty, ripped running shoes and dusted them off one more time…

There was a good attendance from the club with 12 runners in total as well as support in terms of admin and marshalling. It felt like a good morning for running and I enjoyed the ramble up to the start away from the school as Mick D, Paul, Pam & I reflected on our differing levels of preparation for this one!

The race

It’s a crowded start which heads slightly downhill from the off, and no matter how far forward you get it can still be a struggle to get any sort of rhythm going until you have a bit more space around.

For me this took until about 1/3 of a mile, so it ensured I didn’t go off too fast. I was aiming for about 7 min mile pace, but at the 1 mile marker it was over 8 mins so I had some catching up to do! The first couple of miles incorporate part of the climb that is within the Cheadle 4 race (see my other race report!)so it was at least familiar as we climbed through the wood. Halfway up the hill I spy Bryan Dale which always lifts the spirits as we all pose for a cheesy picture!

About 2 miles in I’ve settled in and start trying to make inroads on the groups ahead, which contain several of my fellow Group D runners. There’s a good section of flat before a brilliant downhill section to about 3.5 miles. You can really fly down the hill with minimal effort and I overtook a number of faster runners here and figured I must be about top 5 in my group at this point, which would represent a good points haul.

The only shame being what goes down must go back up again! From about 3.5 – 6 miles it is a steady climb. This is where the fatigue started to set in and I was battling with myself to keep pushing. Luckily Mick Beardmore from Cheadle was running the same pace as me, and provided lots of encouragement as we persevered on – thanks Mick!

Apparently there was a marshalling issue around mile 6 which sent a number of runners the wrong way – this must have been only a few minutes ahead of me but fortunately for me I was unaffected and just kept following the others in front! The last mile is a nice downhill relief but there was no chance of catching the next pack ahead by this point. At the turn for the finish there’s a final uphill pull but you try to get a sprint on. Mick sportingly let me finish ahead of him on the playing fields and I collected my goodybag – straight in for the chocolate!

Oh – and the time… well after the first mile was much slower than planned this sort of went out the window, but I was managing to put in some low 7 min miles and a couple of sub 7 min miles down the hills, so overall it came in at 50:12, 20 seconds quicker than last year so a pb here!

Mick D was looking very happy with himself having bagged an impressive sub 47 min run and Paul “I could see you the whole way” Phillips came in at just over 51 as the 3 of us all chase down tight promotion races in Groups C, D & E. I bagged 4^th place in my group and it looks very close between me and 2 others to secure a place in the top 3 before the end of the year.

Well done all that raced on another great performance, it definitely makes it more enjoyable seeing so many runners from the club competing – whether it be for p.b’s, age groups, NSRRA, SMM Championship or just for fun!

Another year of road races is starting to draw to a close, but over the next two months there are some great local races at Congleton, Werrington and lots of Cross Country events, not to mention our own Flying Fox 10.

And after 6 months of running in ripped shoes, I’ve finally invested in a new pair!

Race report: Jackie Allen

I arrived early with my friend to a misty field for what was going to be our first half marathons since spring.  When we entered we didn’t realise it would be a 9am start. The English Half Marathon forms the main part of a festival of running.  We were told that this year, the number of runners throughout the festival has doubled. 2700 took part in the half this time.

The start was along a small tree lined avenue close to the Victoria athletics park.  Pace runners were out in force and there were quite a few runners on their maiden voyages as the race is described by the organisers as flat.  It wasn’t totally flat as there were some slight inclines, but long enough to be glad to get to the top of. The main field was set out as a village with baggage, registration, stage and stalls.  There were a lot of families there making the most of the lovely sunny day.

The start itself was a bit of an anti-climax, because with five minutes to go we were told there would be a delay of 15 minutes.  This announcement took place during a warm up routine that a very loud scouse lady was bullying us to take part in.  Unfortunately that meant she came back and had another go!

The 10k runners and half marathon runners all set off together – at about two miles in this became a bit of a problem as the narrow country lane we were were running on couldn’t accommodate us all.  At about three miles we split however, and there became more room for everybody. It felt like most if the first five miles were uphill, although gradual, but we ran through some lovely villages and countryside.  We had a lot of support along the route, and there were medical staff at each water station.  It did feel very well organised.

My favourite part of the race was from about seven miles in where we left the roads for a while and took some gravel paths through park land.  The trees gave us some shelter from the now very warm sunshine.  We really were very lucky with the weather. This continued until about mile nine then we were re-tracing our steps back to the start/finish area.  This also meant that it was mainly flat and downhill, with the exception of the bridge over the river at 11 miles.  I felt tired here but it was only a short climb until the next downhill section.

The last two miles were quite quick.  Some runners around me clearly hadn’t read the pack we downloaded with instructions for the day, as they thought the finish was where the start was.  We had to go through that and three quarters of the way around the athletics track.  This meant that I could overtake some runners that had burnt themselves out too early.  That said, I didn’t have enough left in the tank to increase my speed by much on the track.  Some sprinted straight past me leaving me for dust, but I like to think I gave more over the whole event! That’s my argument and I’m sticking to it!

The finish line was on the track and we were immediately given our medals and some water. We then went through to a gated off area to collect our other goodies – gel, banana, cereal bar, haribo sweets, crisps, t-shirt and socks.  The only problem with this was that as there weren’t any bags to put them in, it caused a bit of a queue.
Baggage collection went very smoothly, then with tea in hand I waited for my friend to come in.  There was ample parking on-site, but I would recommend getting there early and parking at the environment agency which was a five minute walk away, and easier to leave from at the end.

All in all, I would recommend it and people with young families should also consider it.  My only recommendation to the organisers would be not to get any bigger unless the 10k runners start after the half runners.I think it would be possible to get a PB – I missed out by about 30 seconds.

Jackie

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).