Pie & Peas – race report

Club Series, race 15
Wednesday August 1st.

I have always favoured the beans myself, but either way it beats a medal or a T-shirt.

We had a goodish turn-out, but with a bias. As the prize-giving moved more deeply into the vet categories, “Wilmslow” resonated with increasing frequency. Jan took F50, Kate the F55, Nicky the F60, Tom the M60 and Ian the M70. Jan missed her moment of glory, I thought she was in the bar, which might have been appropriate, but she had departed.

Second in category were Tim M55, Paul M60, Diane F40, Patrick M65, Catriona F50 and Simon M75.

The course has changed little over the years but a starting funnel has taken away the ‘Grand National’ charge to the first fence. The first and last km. is on the road but then its trail, not fast but relatively smooth, with just a short hill as you go from the railway line up to the road.

James got another Wilmslow first ahead of Tim who held-off Jarrod. Tom’s been missing for some time but as always his pace belied his years. Mike’s back racing regularly, Paul completed the League One runners.

Diane was both the first lady and first League Two runner.

Nicky was our second lady, ahead of Kate and Nicola.

Gareth followed Diane in League Two.

Patrick overtook Nicky in the latter stages but was unable to catch Colin, who is starting to get the upper-hand in League Three. Only 18 seconds separated the three of them. Again League Three was the most competitive; Kate, Nicola, Janet, John, Catriona, Angela and Chris.

It was good to see long-term injured Angela and Mark in action. As at Forest 5, Ang ran better than might have been expected. For Mark it was his first race back and he took it cautiously.

The fitter, slimmer version of Catherine continues to give the rest of League Four a hard time, whilst off-road puts Simon at a disadvantage against Ian. Lynn had a great Forest 5 but after a good (too good?) start was caught by the seasoned campaigners.

I can’t challenge Rod Coombs’ PB of three helpings, but I did manage my and Nicky’s pie and beans.

Jan and I are already starting to think about 2019 (but also ready to step down if someone else comes forward) and Paul is going to organise a forum after one of the Tuesday meals. My start point, subject to other views, is that Pie & Peas should be a definite.