Bosley Fete Hill Race …… from the middle

Sat after a race having cream tea, the rolling countryside in the distance, basking in the sun, then we get to put Alan Turner in the ‘Stocks’ and throw sponges at him …… what’s not to love ??

Where has this race been hiding?  I loved it!  From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, it felt more like a fun day out than a race. Chris Cannon trying to negotiate for the leg of the hog roast for £15 will stay with me for a long time. 

So, to the race, I’ll come back to the fete shortly.  The sun was shining, 22 degrees plus, and some steep hills to climb, this was going to be a tough 4.5 miles. 

The start saw us set off across a field for a few hundred yards before turning to loop round Bosley Reservoir, a flat dry grassy first km. Apparently, at the beginning of races, I suffer from ‘pre-race delusions’ (Harrison L, 2013) and often these delusions centre around winning 60 points, but today after 1km I was on the shoulder of Janine and a few yards ahead of Louisa, though come the first hill this all changed. 

My memory is somewhat blurred about this first hill, however, suffice to say by the end of it I was way behind both Janine and Louisa who had gone at least 20 secs ahead. The hill was steep and seemed to go on for a long time I found the heat draining and was soon walking, it would seem that my PRD (pre-race delusions) were in fact just that, as I now gave up totally on the 60 points and start to look behind me to see where the danger was about to come from, and deary me there was no shortage of it. 

I could see Gavin about 10 yards behind, who seemed determined to run every step of the hill, Sally P around 20 Yards behind looking strong.  I didn’t spot Tony, but he must have been there as he duly passed me a mile or so later.  Then Patrick, then John Porteous and Chris Cannon, all in a line, all no more than 100 yards behind, all of them battlers.  I knew just to hang onto this position I’d have to dig deep.

I obviously didn’t dig deep enough though as Gavin soon caught me and by the top of the hill left me for dead.  Tony caught me at the top of the first big decent and Sally Price was never more than a few 100 yards behind. 

As soon as we caught our breath we then had the second climb, tough in this heat, I see Chris ‘The Mountain Goat’ Grime struggling in front, too far to challenge but at least I am not the only one hurting, the climb twists and turns and with each turn it shows what’s to come, more climb.

At the top I am well and truly knackered!  I use the fast grass downhill to catch my breath as opposed to try and make time up on Janine, who I know will be taking her time on the uneven terrain.  A quick look over my shoulder sees Geoff Gilbert now beginning to gain on me. Sally Price also still looms large.

It hasn’t rained in weeks but somehow I managed to find myself knee deep in a mud pit at the base of the final hill, kindly pushed even further deeper by the runner behind who falls on top of me, great.

Up the hill and across the undulating fields and around the reservoir again, I count Janine in the distance, about a minute ahead.  Well and truly beaten today by ‘Goldie Locks’ – see you at the Roaches!  Geoff Gilbert now closing but with a quarter of a mile left I feel safe.

As always great support from Mike Marshall, and welcome encouragement from both Rob Downs and Nick Bishop who have both run back to support us makes a real difference, so thanks guys.

You turn into the field and you’re home, to be welcomed with water and the sight of the Beer and Pimms tent …… this is so my kind of race! 

John Porteous ran a great race and continues his return to form. Sally Price at the end was slightly further back from me than at halfway but was always a danger and ran well.

Sharon Jones takes an Alan Turner scalp for the first time this season and continues to run well after injury.

Janine Ellis in the last month has moved up a gear and is now difficult to beat at all distances and any terrain, though that will not stop us trying! 

Louisa is just unstoppable, though could Janine possibly take the challenge to her?  Towards the end of the series there are some longer races and 10ks, but will Louisa be able to compete with distance queen Ellis?  Only time will tell.

Great race selection Tony, I loved it and writing this at 7.15pm on Saturday night (yes, I’m that sad) I kind of wish I was still there at the beer and Pimms tent watching Chris Cannon negotiate for the hog’s leg ………

Roaches next, a long way to travel, a nasty little fell race, I shouldn’t bother if I were you ……  See you there.

Andy Dodd – no BOOM (only 60 points gets a BOOM)