Bollington 3 Peaks

Summer Series – Race 8

'3 Peaks', the mere name is enough to strike fear into those of us for whom ascending hills is not what our running is about. But, as they say, what goes up comes down, although for the 'mincers' the down is more daunting than the up. And, in our Competition for first time, only two days after Buxworth, Bollington held promise for the Series 'tarts'. Rain in the days preceding the race had ensured that the course would be wet, more was promised for the race, Tony had recommended studs.

Well the rain held-off, but the tarts were in for a disappointment generally, and in League 4 everyone was there.

Damian was the race winner. Rob was 1st.M50 and 6th., Mike, Series leader, was 15th., Jim 20th., Allan 26th. and Jeremy 26th.

Diane with three fell specialists ahead of her, was our first lady. Sally, who does this sort of thing well, just beat Janine, who has significantly improved but is better on the road, then came Katy and the, ever improving, Huma.

Phil, who also won at Mow Cop, was first in League 2 ahead of Ian, Matt and Craig.

Richard is starting to dominate League 3, he was followed by Sally, Andy, Katy and Geoff.

Having started too fast at both Chester and Wrexham, a steady start seemed sensible. Being with John, Angela and Amanda with Carolyn just behind felt about right. Huma, Jon, Sally, Sharon and Gail were ahead. It was a disastrous tactic. A 30m deficit became 300m through the series of queues for gates over the first kilometre. Then as we started to climb, the others in this second group pulled away. However after the top of Kerridge Hill, at 3k, my fortunes changed. On the steep descent, amongst much squealing and complaining, I followed John passed  Amanda, Angela, Gail, Sally and Sharon. It seems that girls don't do downhill. I was now in a respectable points position, but with two peaks to go. I held my place on the climb up White Nancy, 4.5k, and went ahead of Patrick on the descent. The word was that peak 3 was the toughest and Patrick duly regained his place. As you climbed towards the trig point of Nab Hill, 7k, you could see the runners coming down; Jon was well ahead, an excellent run after he'd struggled at Whitley, and John had now pulled away. Huma, despite, like many others, feeling Buxworth in her legs, was out of sight. As I came down I saw Sally, Angie and Amanda climbing, thankfully  a safe distance behind. I again overtook Patrick on the descent but, once we were on the flat, he eased away.

Huma, seven races, seven wins; we're all praying for Ramadan to come quickly.  59 for Jon and, with a 58 here, John is already looking a favourite for one of the three promotion places.

Cat is showing her fine form was not just a flash in the pan, her third 60-point haul.  Don, who would have savoured this course before his knees gave up, found some of his old skill. Sue could not maintain her 100% winning record over terrain which is much more to Trevor's liking. Simon just hates it and had to give best to Roy.

£5 entry, a free pint of bitter and chilli con carne – now that's what I call good race organisation. Special thanks to Martin who found my car key near the deep mid-wicket boundary. Also Tony, who failed his fitness test at Buxworth, Nick and Mike for their support, if giving misleading information about rivals breathing down your neck counts as 'support'.

Ian