The Manchester XC Leauge moved on to Boggart Hole Clough for race three. For some it was the sublime to the ridiculous !!
For snow , substitute mud ! Mike and Rob had to give up sand , sea and sangria for s**t ! On Wednesday I had raced at Richmond Hill Park in London in a XC race when you could virtually have run in road shoes.I now have to take professional advice on how best to clean shoes or just buy a new pair !!
We had a real focus on this race as our 3rd place at Macclesfield had also taken us to third place overall. We had also won both race veterans categories.News from Mike and Rob from Benidorm was that two of our rivals from East Cheshire , had run the full marathon on Sunday , in 2.38 and 2.46. Would they be here today ? They said so.
We had a fantastic turnout of 12, Trevor was running his first league race of the season and Peter Carne and Richard Parris were making their debuts. They nervously surveyed the mud and dampness that is Boggart and what was in store.Damian was unfit but Mike H was back.
The gun went and the Wilmslow group that had taken the right side of the starting line had clearly taken the high ground as gold and blue vests were well up as early placings unfolded. The race leader apart , the skill is watching the runner ahead and seeing which line they take and how much they slip ! Then make your own decision!
Malcolm was 2nd in the early stages and Rob and Tom well placed. Mike H was picking up places. Excellent runs from Jeff , Ian and Gavin .Well done to Richard and Peter for slip sliding around the course.Mike C as always through his hat in the ring despite suffering from tight hamstrings after his Benidorm PB.Trevor was reliable as ever.
One thing that all agreed on . After lap one , no one relished two more !
4. Malcolm Fowler
15. Mike Halman
19. Tom McGaff
24. Rob Downs
47.Nick Bishop
58. Jeff Capper
62. Ian Smallwood
82. Gavin Mendham
89. Mike Cooper
110. Peter Carne
114. Richard Parris
161. Trevor Faulkner
So what does it all mean ? Whilst we cannot predict the result , we scored 158 points for 3rd at Macclesfield and here we scored 167 points. In the veterans , we have had the same four counters in each race ( Malcolm, Rob, Tom , Nick ) and have won each event by some margin. Here we scored our best points total.
Thanks to everyone for turning out and to Sally for supporting.
One race now left in the Manchester League: Broadoak , 7th January.
First Cheshire League race is Sunday 11th December at Macclesfield when we welcome the ladies.
Nick.