Summer Series – Race 4

Goyt Valley 10k

Thursday April 29^th.

 

Two years ago when Malcolm introduced this race it was in the middle of the monsoon season; August. The route took us through a bog, a real bog, the sort in which you felt a runner might disappear and never again be seen. Last year he completely changed it. Many thought the new route a great improvement and it is an excellent course although, personally, I preferred the original. I had found the second half of the new course tough and still bear the scars of Amanda dancing past me and away with a mile to go.

 

This year we were on the new course again. It had taken me by surprise last year, I had not expected it to be so challenging and I thought, as I drove there, that  probably my memory was exaggerated the degree of difficult. I can now definitively report that once you cross the bridge, a little after 4k, it really is hard, although, on this occasion, there was some personal compensation; I gained a Wilmslow place in the second-half and a critical place.

 

At last we had some proper summer weather, a heavy mist, steady rain and a miserable 7^o, but there was no wind and it did not feel too cold.

 

Damian won the race, a comfortable two minutes ahead of the field. The Wilmslow Men’s team (Damian, Malcolm & Bill) in addition won the team prize. Malcolm was also 1^st.M45. They were followed-in by Steve and Rob.

 

There remain 12 who have run all 4 Summer Series races and, in the early stages, these automatically head the leader-board. Tony moves to the top of the table, displacing Graham. Second is Richard, third Don and then Kate, Sarah, Clare, Ian, Chris, Owen, Julie, Roy and Martin. Things may be a little different come Langley, Damian’s looking like he might be a threat, Malcolm and Stuart have run only one race and we are yet to see Rob or Jim.

 

Katy took her second Ladies 60 points and also 1^st. L35. Christine, 1^st.L45, was next, but would have missed the start but for a short delay as Malcolm transformed from race director to runner. Sarah was third. They were followed by Kate, Clare, Steffi, Penny, Julie, Monique, Helen and Elspeth. The Ladies (Katy, Christine & Sarah) won the team prize. Malcolm in his announcement initially omitted Sarah from the team, there was a shout from the side and, moving more quickly than round the course, she was instantly at his table scooping-up all three bottles of wine.

 

Not only wine but Sarah moves to the top of the Ladies’ League. Kate is only one point behind in second and Clare one point behind her in third. Julie is fourth. Katy and Christine lurk dangerously.

 

Amanda was guiding a blind runner and Ray was sweeping-up. Both were making their first appearance of 2010 as were Malcolm, Bill, Peter, Rob, Geoff, Gavin, Steve, Jon, Jim, Penny and Steffi.

 

Tony was first League 3/4 runner and also 1^st. M60. Peter was second and Katy third. Peter had run the London Marathon as had Richard, albeit at Carolyn’s pace, who was fourth. There was a strong 3/4 turn-out. Next home was Don followed by Christine, Gavin, Sarah, Geoff, Kate, Steve and, running for the club for the first time, Jon. Jim, Patrick, Ian and Clare completed the Group.

 

Tony strengthens his position at the top of League 3/4, Richard is second then Don, Sarah, Kate, Clare and Ian.

 

Owen won 5/6, as he had here two years ago. Chris beat Stefanie in a sprint for second then followed Penny (no prize this year), Julie (always runs well here), Monique (continues to improve), Helen (now has a vest), Roy (I’ve been in trouble for derogatory comments on Roy’s performances so I’m lost for words), Elspeth (two in a row) and Martin (a comfortable gap ahead of the back of the field).

 

Chris retains leadership of the 5/6 League with Owen second, Julie third, Roy and Martin. Matt, however, looks the man to beat.

 

Tony took his second age/sex adjusted win of the Series, Damian was runner-up, Malcolm third, Bill fourth then Christine, Steve, Gavin, Kate, Geoff and Katy.

 

Tony tops the age/sex table, Kate second, Clare third, then Don, Ian, Richard, Sarah, Roy, Julie, Chris, Owen and Martin.

 

Different distance, different environment; Alexandra Park on Sunday. History says good points for a race appearing in the Series for the first time. Then a break until the Chester Half, which has long been full.

 

Ian