Sunday 8th July. 7.1 miles, 1200ft. About 17 degrees.
It’s a tragedy that barely 50 runners made it out for what must be the best hill race in Cheshire (in my book a close second only to the Boars Head race from Higher Poynton) – and so close to home too! Once upon a time there were a string of hill races around Bollington, today we have just this one which was revived two years ago thanks to Bollington Drop In Centre.
However clearly their marketing still has some way to go. If they took a leaf out of the clever marketing of the Wincle Trout race they would have had 200 plus, easily.
The route takes you out of Bollington and up over a leg sapping hill to the back of Lyme Park towards Pott Shrigley before descending into the Park itself, through some fields and then on to the Macc Canal towpath. There’s a final sting in the tail with a climb back up to the back road above Bollington before a hellish descent on the cobbles into the village. All in all, a real test! The marshalling is excellent throughout and there are even 3 drinks stations!
Not surprisingly the race has become a popular favourite for quite a few at the club, witness Rob and Tom battling it out for a podium finish last year. This time around there was no runner-of-the-month Tom, leaving Rob to battle it out at the front. He was in the lead on the canal but just lost out in the run home. Myself and Bill weren’t too far behind, with Ian and Mike C in close contention. Trevor F had a good strong run too.
All present agreed that this race simply must be put in the Summer Series next year, if nothing else because we should be supporting such a good local race. The fear has to be that if they struggle with numbers it may disappear which would be a real shame. The lobbying has begun here!
I. Mike Salt (Cambridge): 44.41
3. Rob Downs: 45.03
5. Jim Pendrill: 47.07
7. Bill Heaton: 47.44
11. Ian Smallwood: 50.02
14. Mike Cooper: 52.04
45. Trevor Faulkner: 65.11
http://www.bollingtondropincentre.org.uk/hillRaceResults.html
Jim Pendrill
I agree – this really is a cracking little race that is organised by a bunch of enthusiastic volunteers. It deserves our support and would make a great addition to the Summer Series next year. There were marshals at every turn and even 3 water stations along the 7 mile route. Wet sponges, mugs of tea and very chewy ginger cake were available for post race enjoyment.
Rob