As with all the Summer Series races, we had a good turnout of Wilmslow Runners with about 25 taking part out of a total of just over 200 entries. Group 1 were, however, noticeable by their absence (kind of them to let us mortals have a few extra points) with the exception of Damian and Malcolm who were 1st and 3rd respectively, Damian winning by 2 minutes and Malcolm taking the V45 prize.
A hard fought battle in Group 2 saw Steve and Mark passing me after the first mile but Mark, restricted in his recent training, slipped back again after mile 2. Steve continued to pull ahead until the last mile when he slowed a little and I realised I might catch him. By the start of the final hill I was alongside him which (as I expected) spurred into a surge and by the top of the hill he was 10 metres ahead. His response to a spectator who urged him on was a desperate groan and the famous “Dempsey death rattle” breathing began echoing through the countryside. I took my chance and used my last reserves to pass him only to realise that the finish was about 150 metres ahead instead of the 50m I had thought. I wondered if my legs would hold out but they did and I crossed the line completely knackered.
Steve followed a few seconds behind and then Mike who had been racing the day before and who must have made steady progress in the second half of the race. Mark was next and Tony won in a close finish with Paul. Despite her hard run in the XC on Saturday, Sue ran well to finish first lady for Wilmslow.
I’m not sure how all the other Wilmslow runners fared but Pete is back to form and proved it by winning the V65 category; Rod ran well after a prolonged spell of injury and Julie was pleased to get round with no ill effects from the plantar fasciitis problems she’s had. Charlotte was also pleased to pip Nina to the post but still sounds a bit hoarse as she did at Sutton (must give up the fags Charlotte!).
All in all a good race which everyone seemed to enjoy. The results are posted elsewhere on the website.
Mick Fairs
There are some nice Gin Pit photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/runinpics/
If that doesn’t work try http://www.flickr.com/photos/runinpics/sets/72157607967813599/ then click on the Swinton RC icon.