Heavy overnight rain appeared to be easing as the 21 Wilmslow runners headed for St Helens , for round three of the Mcr XC League .
Hitting the M62 was a different world : lashing rain and heavy wind culminating in hail at the race .
We were indebted to Manchester YMCA who allowed us into the shelter of their tent !
The course was good : two laps for the ladies and three for the men : undulating loops around wooded parkland : Barely a dry line to take as the endeavours of the earlier runners had left a trail of heaped mud everywhere : the only areas clear of mud were pools of water. This was real cross country .
Congratulations to everyone that ran : the fantastic performances by all on days like this really make a difference when the trophies are handed out .
Sadly Amanda was lost and missed the race despite "sat nav" !
The ladies numbers looked low until minutes before the race when everyone appeared from their respective shelters : cars , tents , trees or anywhere that provided a degree of protection from the elements .
November runner of the month Claire made further in roads to finish a fabulous 6th place : Captain Kate will supply more precise detail of the ladies but from memory , Kate came in 20th and was then followed by Nicki , Huma , Sally P and Penny who was recovering from the trauma of three punctured tyres in the morning . Macclesfield looked very strong but we eagerly await the ladies results of the rapidly improving squad : Well done to you all.
For the first time the men were at full strength : great to see Damian out despite having raced a hilly 10k the day before .
Malcolm really turned the clock back with an excellent third place , finishing ahead of Damian with a strong run for 6th place . Full results are awaited but from memory Rob , Stuart , Tom (despite a niggling injury ) and Jim completed the team . Good to see Rob Elstone out again and a superb run from Ian Smallwood clearly revelling in the conditions. A close run affair saw Nick edge out Bill for the next place , with Mark Bale not far behind and Gavin in pursuit .
Trevor completed the Wilmslow squad and clearly another who excelled in the conditions despite losing out in a sprint finish which started in a lake some twenty yards long !
Sadly Roy had to withdraw part way through the race with a troublesome strain .
Some prior research by Captain Kate took us to a local pub and a fine choice it was . Six runners and Toby ( aka Hugh Grant) or Sally’s husband enjoyed a pleasant hour in the warmth and comfort of a fine hostelry.
On a day when it would have been easy to stay at home , we saw 21 race , all have fine runs , and then enjoy great company in the pub .
We await the results eagerly as the XC season gathers further momentum.
Next race : Sunday 13th January @ Woodbank Park : All most welcome , runners and supporters .
Nick.