Knype Pool 5 – Summer Series Race 1

Sunday February 23rd.

I was in trouble from the start. "why hadn't we come on the bus". I said that I had followed the car park signs expecting them to take us to the bus, it was pointed out that the email had been specific that we were to go to the Leisure Centre. Roy meanwhile was being transformed from Martin Wheeldon – there seemed to be a lot of other Wilmslow runners missing, I'd heard talk of 56, even 70, running. The Nationals on Saturday? They were asking for Roy's address in case he won a prize, I pointed out that that wouldn't be necessary but they thought I was being unkind rather than helpful.

The setting was picturesque but there was a cold wind that hadn't been there in Wilmslow, the threatened rain never materialised and in these times of climate change February probably qualifies for the Summer Series. The route was undulating footpaths through the woods and alongside the 'pool' then a loop up a small hill, down a muddy field and back the way we'd come.

Allan started 2014 with what, I think, is his first 100 points. He was 3rd., Tom 4th., and 1st.V50, Trevor 5th. and Mike 6th., and first V40.

Diane, in 7th., was the first lady finisher with Sharon, 12th. overall, second lady, and Janine 3rd.  Sally Gilliver was 1st. F50

Sharon took the League 2 60-points, ahead of Craig, Paul, Ian and Jarrod.

Richard headed League 3 from Jon, Phil, Janine, Steve and  Qes.  Andy was 1st. V60.

Eager to hear the Town Crier, I started too near the front and Huma, Jonathan, John, Sally, Clare, Gail and Rachael all swept past me before we reached the hill.  Huma and Jonathan  got away but thereafter it was tight.  I managed to get ahead of Gail and Rachael down the muddy field and John and Clare up the steps,  but then, sadly,  got caught again.

With 3 being promoted and 3 relegated, my challenge for 2014 is to avoid relegation. Not, perhaps, a lofty ambition with which to start the Series but realistic and, with three behind, it allows me to score race 1 as a success. Huma, in her first race following promotion, went straight to the top of League 4.

Janet, double handicap champion, edged out Julie in League 5 then came Don, Judith and Belinda. Roy, who two specialist have advised not to run again, nevertheless got round,  and even produced a  late flourish when Trevor challenged him.

A well-organised race with the bonus of tea, biscuits, a choice of soup and bread rolls – I'd swap that for a medal any day.

Ian