I had checked Google maps and planned to arrive at 9.50am for the 10.30 start. However, the police
decided to make life interesting by closing the motorway at Bury. As a result, I headed towards
Ramsbottom with the Satnav continually yapping at me to do a U turn. I arrived at 10.15 to be met
by a small but perfectly formed group of WRC points tarts.
At registration there was a sign saying that waterproof jackets were recommended. Perhaps the
cricket club knew something that the Met Office didn’t. We spent some time commiserating with
other WRC colleagues who may have missed points due to the traffic chaos, and ten seconds later
headed over to the start. I overhear one of the WRC speedsters saying that all the hills were
runnable. Yeah, sure guys.
Soon we were off. The first two miles are uphill, and after that it’s a mixture of uphill and down dale.
At one point we crested the top of the moor past the windmills where you get a great view of er lots
of other large hills. At 4.8 miles you hit a very steep climb. Forget the waterproof jackets, climbing
gear would have been more appropriate advice.
Despite the very strong competition from local clubs with a fell running bias, all WRC runners
performed well with special mention for Barry Kate and Trevor with category wins.
Tip for Groups three and four: Most of the hills are not runnable!
Apologies if I have missed anyone, a more sensible report will no doubt be produced in future when
Ian returns.
Where was everyone? There were only 8 from WRC. It was an excellent event (despite me running an extra half mile at the end), easier than expected, and within the one hour driving limit. The WRC turnout was really disappointing. Oh well! This is the 8th local fell race where I have been the first-ever V80 to finish. [One of my 4 running New Year Resolutions]. Of course, there will be many more to follow, and in much faster times. Andy and Tom: your turns will come! See you all tmoro at Dunham Massey. Trevor.
Fell running, like Cross Country, is not everyone’s cup of tea Trevor, hence the low club turnout.
Well done on your MV80 exploits!
Yes, Roy, but people can change. Remember Gail Hill? I used to tease her about never running off-road, despite her surname. She is now an ultra runner!