November 30: Cheddleton Xmas Pud 2013 10K
Damian has been trying to lure me to the depths of Leek for many years to do this race, and given the glorious sunny conditions I finally gave in and jumped in his van for the trip.
The course is three laps of a challenging loop which starts with a steep climb but which you then get back with a long downhill stretch towards the end of the lap. However in between there are still one or two rather nasty inclines which you definitely feel by the final lap.
Damian's bid for glory was wrecked by Dave Norman's last minute decision to turn up and run, although the pair swapped the lead many times. Apparently Dave got a lead on the final steep hill but Damian was closing fast on the final downhill sprint.
Struggling with a cold I was some way back but enjoyed the cracking support and lack of summer series pressure. However this race, with its great views and friendly atmosphere, would make a great addition to the series as it's something of a well-kept secret. Best of all are its cakes which almost match Langley's. As well as all finishers getting a Xmas pudding, Damian also won an enormous fruit cake, a third of which he kindly donated to me afterwards!
1: Dave Norman 32.55
2: Damian Nicholls 33.00
7: Jim Pendrill 37.52
342 finishers
Results at www.cheddletoncarnival.co.uk/linked/cheddleton_xmas_pudd_2013.pdf