This was the first product of Malcolm’s initiative to get us organising more local races. As we settled at the registration desk Malcolm proudly announced a grand total of 6 pre-entries. Ah, well it was a nice sunny evening and we still had plenty of forms and safety pins for entries on the night. After the excitement of the first few punters we soon had a steady stream signing up until by 7pm we had handed out over 80 numbers.
The whistle went and off we ran. We were almost literally in Mike Halman’s back yard and he swiftly moved into a commanding lead. The only Wilmslow runner who could live with his pace on this occasion was Nick Bishop who realised a life time’s ambition riding the lead bike.
The race for second was rather more entertaining with Malcolm and me competing with 4 or 5 other runners. After the first corner the headwind was surprisingly noticeable and everyone seemed happy enough to tuck in close behind me. We weren’t running particularly fast but perhaps as a result of Sale I was finding it hard and wasn’t in a position to push the pace.
Around 2 miles Malcolm had seen enough and came charging past. (If you want to know what this feels like have a look at Andy’s excellent photo of the race director in full flow!) I tried to hang on but as we started down the welcome long slight descent Stuart Doyle from Vale Royal also overtook me and I felt like I was drifting back. In fact it was more that Stuart was on a mission as he managed the rare feat of out sprinting Malcolm in the last 100m. Into the last mile I was thoroughly enjoying the chase along the country roads and relaxed sufficiently to lose another place on the final climb.
For over half an hour runners continued to appear. Grimaces on the hill were invariably replaced by smiles as they saw the finish funnel. Talking to the groups of runners recovering in the sunshine they all seemed pleased with the organisation and enthusiastic about the new race. It was rewarding to be “putting something back” into the local racing scene that we all enjoy as well as contributing to a local good cause.
The same views were repeated online:
In short: Good mostly-flat route, good cause and well organised
In full: Nice crowd, ran like clockwork. The route follows flat country lanes round the big houses – there is a *small* hill just before the finish but if anything it is just enough for interest – def a PB course
In short: very enjoyable. well organised and perfect for all abilities.
In full: five minutes inside my expected finishing time despite the hill 200 yards from the finish. pb potential
In short: Cracking new race on the calender
In full: A new race on the calender and lets hope it becomes a regular feature as I thoroughly enjoyed it. Well organised and marshalled with a decent route down quiet country lanes (aside from the ahole in the ferrari who went flying past me!!). (*)
In short: great race.
In full: Very well organised race, good atmosphere, the course is nice, plenty of marshal support, one little hill near the end, but that wasn’t too bad (or I’m getting better at running up them).
I’d recommend this race to anyone!
In short: excellent country lane run
In full: Really enjoyed this and well done to wilmslow and all concerned at the David lewis centre. Obvious big turnout by Wilmslow running club but in no way clubby or cliquey as some smaller runs can be. Friendly lot and I hope this happens again
In short: Nice short run for all abilities raising funds for www.davidlewis.org.uk
In full: I hope Wilmslow Running Club organise this again and make it a regular event. It was good to try a different distance than you usually get, and the grounds at The David Lewis Centre were ideal for the start/finish
(*) I’d like to stress that Mike Cooper was on holiday J
Rob