Ahead of the thoughts from those that ran , a brief note from a marshall.
Having marshalled at the Wilmslow half due to my own injury , I opted to assist/marshall in our three new "lower key" events . I say lower rather than low key as I have every confidence that they will grow to be established events in their own right .
The weather was not kind , watching from my point at the start of the loop , I was startled to see how bright car headlights were on the road . But hey , we were getting into the hills and perhaps this could be described as trail/fell running for softies so a degree of challenge was expected !? Certainly a challenging course with interesting twists and turns . Having done three loops myself in checking out and agreeing key marshall points with Malcolm , I felt like I knew the course and quite fancied a bash myself : fellow marshall Steve Smith agreed . Short , sharp but fun . The thoughts were echoed after the race by some of the lead runners who were warming down " great fun " , " do it again in the summer " etc .
Watching rather than running enables you to see different things :
- the speed that the leaders came down the slopes
- the looks on faces , concentration , focus , discomfort , great smiles
- the enormous fun that many were having
- the appreciation from runners for just a "well done , looking good" comment
- the variety of running styles
- the variety of dress codes : one lady swathed in designer scarves !
All had a number of things in common : to enjoy the fresh air , to challenge themselves no matter what their own abilities and to give a little back to charity .
For one runner that I spoke with , this was his first race for ten years : what a great time he had : it wont be long now to his next !
What a treat to see Dr Ron Hill still out racing .
Christmas present suggestions :
- Portable sat nav for Jane who was one of only two to take a wrong turn ( the second followed her !)
- Portable set of DIY kilometre markers for the runner who enquired of head time keeper Dave Read if the course was fully marked at each kilometre !
- Photographer of the year award for our own Andy Penney who has been on hand at each event and taken great race photos : Teggs Nose photos should be on this site any day .
Some of us retired for our customary post race analysis to enjoy a beer and reflect ……Lifes good when you’re having fun !
Nick.