Results are not yet on the web ( www.ukresults.net) but controversy was raging in the pub deep into the evening and long after the provisional results had been printed . More on this later.
A blustery and damp night with a number of heavy showers made the warm up more similar to xc season as shelter was sought under a tree for the 30 odd runners from Wilmslow. One bright wag commented that they would expect a full refund of their St Tropez costs if we could not gaurentee better weather for our French jaunt ( limited places still available . 12 WRC athletes now competing ).
The P&P 5 had a record entry this year with circa 250 runners. I enjoy the race , good course , in the main off road along trails and beside the River Weaver, with just a couple of short climbs . Race HQ is a pub which allows for additional points in my rating system. As the race name suggests a complimentary meal is provided afterwards . This year I did not attempt a course PB of 4 pies but settled for 2.
As 7.30 approached the start line suddenly filled as runners left their makeshift shelters and sprinted for the start . Very soon after we were away and Mike Halman ( 2nd last year behind a UK ex pat from Hong Kong) clearly wanted first choice on the pies as he built a 50 yard lead ahead of 2nd place before we had covered the first mile. I must confess that as we raced past the pub , the twinkling lights and thoughts of various guest ales seemed appealing.
With the heavy rain , the surface was greasy and meant that the styles needed some care in climbing. There must be a technique ( Tony ?) as I tried a number including actually jumping without touching the style but although I landed safely , I would not recommend.
Following a stretch along the Weaver, the race turns back for the village with a couple of gentle climbs before reaching the village with the finish about 800 metres away.
Competition for points was always going to be competitive here as only Malcolm , Damian and Stuart were missing . Good to see Ray E out.
From memory results:
1. Mike Halman
5. Jim Pendrill
6. Tom McGaff
11. Nick Bishop
12. Jeff Capper
14. Ray Eagle
16. Graham Taylor
My apologies for any errors and that my memory of the order does not extend to all 30 of us .
Tony and Mick followed shortly also Mike and Jane with more excellent bunching from everyone else. Trevor knocked two minutes from his time of 2005 , and I am quite sure that when results are studied that many more PB’s will be achieved .Clare also had an excellent run , so too Rod.
Jane won the ladies race and Katy Green was looking in fine fettle roaring up the home straight . One of our new members , Anne was third lady home .
Another popular part of the P&P 5 are the cash prizes ! Recipients of brown envelopes :
Race winner : Mike Halman
Lady winner : Jane Clarke
Vet 45: Nick Bishop
Vet 50: Tom McGaff
Vet 55: Tony Hulme.
And so back to the controversy. Jim Pendrill after his fine run for fifth place was left out of the results thus not getting his well deserved stash of cash. It also meant that although we had our first four men in the first 11 places that we had not won the race . The result of the stewards enquiry is tbc as Mike and Jim took the race secretary to the back of the race HQ , aka the pie room , to thrash out how the award had gone to the host club and not the men from WRC . Special correspondent Jim Pendrill will no doubt update on this one .
And so the wagon rolls on , as the P&P 5 turns into the Moonraker this Sunday.More battles for points.
Have fun!
Nick B.