North West Counties Road Relays Woodbank Pk 16th September

Full results are not yet available thus the following is more of a narrative of the day.

Relays are great fun and allow you to support your team mates while being in the same event. For the relay the  weather was warm and the car parks full on arrival. This prestige event had produced an expectant crowd and a buzz amongst the runners congregating at the track side where the legs started and finished. All the big guns were out today !

The ladies raced first and from memory ,finished 20th out of  over 40 teams from across the North West.

Jane got us off to a strong start before flying back to Bear HQ to allow Tony to escape and run in the mens event. Nicki and then Penny followed to keep us in the top half of the field. Jane ran a fast leg and Nicki and Penny both seemed to thoroughly enjoy the run , Nicki waving  with gay abandon as she passed her supporters cheering her on. Penny as always gave her all and a top half position was richly deserved. Thanks to Penny and Nicki for  staying and supporting the men.

Question : When is a relay a race and not a relay ? When you have all of your leg runners about to start leg one ( Ask Nicki and Penny).

The men had three teams and despite Malcolm dropping out due to work , still had a class look. Damian got us off to a flier coming in 7th and competing against some top class athletes. Stuart held us right up there and Mike pulled us a place or two. Rob ran a solid last leg to ensure that we were first Cheshire club home and I think 5th or 6th overall. Well done team .

It should be mentioned that Mike after running a thunderous leg was driving down to Exeter to run a marathon with the aim of running a time to guarentee an elite entry for London ! Good luck Mike !

Bill ran leg one for the second team and we were well positioned as he handed over to Jeff. Another stong run  by Jeff allowed Andy Penney to stay in close contact with Macc Harriers first team. Could our second team beat Macc first team ? I set off on the last leg with some concern over a groin strain that has restricted running to twice weekly over the last three weeks . A bit of red mist descended as I overtook Macc on lap one only for a bit of lack of fitness to kick in on lap two and the man from Macc come back and pass me . Still a fine effort fby our second team.

Our third team kicked of with Doc Carne who in turn passed over to the evergreen Mick Fairs resplendent in red shoes. The Bear had at last emerged from the hills to take leg three leaving Ian Smallwood to bring the team home.  Surely we were first third team !?

For me , the most pleasing thing of all was the fact that everyone had a great afternoon. Relays are different and are new for some but truly all inclusive.

Thanks to Mike Cooper , Roy and Sally for supporting . Support is always very welcome and gives a boost to all. Cameras were out in force and there should be some interesting pictures for the web appearing soon !

Another event and a right good day ! Roll on the xc season !

Results in full be available within 48 hours.

Nick.