Summer Series Race 21
At this stage of season it is always interesting to see who runs in the summer series fell races, some for an unforgetable experience, some who need to complete their7 races and some who want to sneak a point or two. I was in the last category having run a dreadful Macclesfield Half.
It is all the race name I thought as I arrived in a spot of drizzle and hoped that the clouds would move along to leave a glorious autumnal day. I was wrong – it rained from start to finish. I was cheered up as a smaller than normal turnout from Wilmslow meant that the summer series points were going to be good wherever I finished. As a fell race we had to carry full body clothing etc in a bum bag or ruck sac – Tom's very natty waistcoat was much admired by the more fashion conscious fell racers.
The race started gently enough with a slow climb to Upper Hulme, then the real work began as we climbed over rocks, bogs and stiles to get to the summit of Ramshaw Rocks. I was relieved to get to the summit and was looking forward to a relaxing downhill stretch when I spotted a very crooked line of runners ahead. The downhill nearly as bad as uphill, as I had to concentrate on placing my feet on solid ground, not on a tussock nor in a bog. After a few miles and a tumble or two, I was beginning to get the hang of it at last- then a road appeared – it lovely to run without thinking again. All too soon it was back to the tussocks, mud and fields.
Eventually we climbed to Roach End and started back over the Roaches on the paving slabs and into the wind. At this stage I would normally comment on the magnificent views of Tittesworth Reservoir etc but today they were behind the clouds. The final climb up Hen Cloud was uneventful, but the descent was more exciting. Fell running descents are like marmite you love them or hate them, I am in the latter group so I was relieved to reach the road. The last mile was hard as I struggled and eventually failed to maintain my place.
Overall I think that it was summer series classic wildcard race - not everyone's cup of tea, but will be talked about for years.
Ian Smallwood
Bring on Langley and its lovely tarmac!
Ian , where did you find the solid ground . I took more mud dives than Suarez and Ashley Young put together .
The only solid bit I seem to recall was the gritstone slab at the top of Ramshaw Rocks. I was nearly dead and ready to crawl under the gravestone shaped slabs on the Roaches by the time I got there. I am now looking forward gaining a bit of weight by indulging in the exceedlingly good home made cakes at Langley – which should compensate for the lack of points as I guess the road runners will be out in force again.
Nice to read all your runners enjoyed the race 🙂
Seriously, thanks for supporting our event and turning out in less than ideal conditions. We actually thought it was quite dry 🙂
There are some photos of your runners on our Congleton Harriers Facebook page (you may even be able to identify them despite the mud). Click on Photos, and then Album, Passing Clouds.
Regards, Phil Dawson (Congleton Harriers)