Trotters 5 - The Bleeding Baron is on the bugle again!

This Sunday March 4th at 10am is the 2nd race of this years CLGP calendar, The Trotters 5 hosted by Burnden Road Runners. Registration is at Smithills Sport Centre, BL1 6JS and if you have not already entered you can enter on the day for £10. See Race Information

I suggest those people who wish to travel in the convoy meet at Atherton station car park for 8.30am for a 8.45 departure. If you have any questions or queries let me know at p_basnett@hotmail.com

Hope to see you all there.

Cheers Paul

Latest CLGP Standings After Race 1

A&T X-country – by Mark Riches

The last race in this year’s cross-country champs is this Saturday (3^rd) at Worden Park, Leyland

Sat Nav: PR25 3DQ

This is a Mid Lancs race so wear the same number you wore at Townley Park, Astley Park, Hyndburn & Barrow. If you didn’t race at any of these then I will let you have a number on Saturday just look out for the A&T flag!

Start times - ladies 2:00 pm & men 2:30 pm

If you want to travel in convoy then we will meet at Atherton Train Station at 12:15

Further details on the website www.midlancs.org.uk/

If you need clarification on anything before Saturday, I can be contacted on mark.riches@talk21.com

2012 Membership & Track

Renewals are now closed for another year.

If you have not renewed you are no longer a member of the club.

All memberships are now £35.00

Only members of A&T are allowed to use the track for free .. non members or guest runners are only allowed to use the track at a cost of £3.00 payable before the session to Shaun, Gary or Mark Riches.

All potential new members are encouraged to come to a Tuesday night.

Ribby Hall Triathlon - Spectators Bike Ride?

Does anyone from the club fancy a long, steady bike ride up to watch the triathlon at Ribby Hall on 22nd April? Neil Hodgson is using the day as an opportunity to get a long bike ride in.

18 of the Tri Club will be taking part in the event and they are good fun to watch as there are lots of loops and waves so always someone you know going past!It is 90 mile ride, there and back. If you only want to go one way, then it's 45 miles and I'm sure you could jump in with one of the triathletes for a lift home.

If you're interested in this contact claroj@hotmail.com or neil@ndigitalltd.co.uk

23rd Great North Western Half Marathon

On Sunday morning 13 intrepid A&T members braved the Blackpool weather lottery to compete in the 23rd Great North West half marathon. As our luck turned out the weather was kind with mostly cloudy skies, a temperature of 9C and a 9mph north westerly wind! Was we in the right town? Having collected our numbers questions were asked on what the course was and how many laps etc. Apparently the Baron was now the oracle on all racing circuits and questions were being directed at me. I knew that the course had changed from last year and I thought it was 2 laps, which turned out to be fairly accurate. However my final say on the matter, which I thought was sound advice, was run 13.1 miles until someone says stop or hands you a goody bag!

At 11am the race was started and approximately 1100 runners headed toward the North Pier for the small loop before heading back toward Bispham by climbing a ramp, or slade as I was later corrected, onto the upper promenade. It was then approximately 3 miles of undulating pavement on the upper promenade before dropping onto the flat lower promenade for the return back. This larger circuit was then repeated for the run into the finish.

The winner of the race was Luke Cragg of Mansfield completed the race in 68.54! First back for A&T in a brilliant time of 82.54 and getting the better of a long standing PB in the process was Steve Coleman. Well done Steve! Next back was Josie Maley, despite coughing and spluttering towards the finish, with what I also believe was a PB with 89.51. Robin Chan ran in next with his coach and Dad Pete Chan, to open his half marathon account with an excellent 94.21. The next 5 A&T runners home all finished within 2 minutes of each other. The Baron came in first mainly by virtue of the fact I could not be bothered pushing my way further to the back for a start position. By the 11 mile marker I was willing for a goody bag to appear in my hand, hoping that both the mile markers and my garmin were wrong. Alas it was not to be the case but I did run in my PB with 102.57. Next in came Dave Crowe, who I believe was opening his half marathon account, with a very good 102.08. Crossing the line a few seconds later was Anthony Hart with 103.11. Next home was new member Adrian Murphy who posted 102.30. Then came Suzanne Gregory also posting a PB with 103.55, despite taking a comfort break that turned out not to be required. I don't think Suzanne enjoyed the distance!

After a brief rest the Baron then decided to do his good deed for the day, as well as do a cool down because I've heard rumours that runners do this, and run back down the course to see how Louise was getting on. Anyway it was a good incentive to do a cool down and get some extra miles in even though my legs were complaining. At about 3/4 mile from home I saw Louise and her friend Tara still running fairly comfortably towards me and I handed them both my 2 remaining shot bloks for energy. Louise finished in 121.37 which is brilliant considering she hasn't really run since the Central Lancs half marathon on the 2nd January due to injury and illness. Her friend Tara also attained her PB with 121.36 as well them both raising £1200 for Christies in the process. Well done ladies and a worthy cause.

Fiona Saunders followed the charity raising duo with what I think maybe a PB with 122.07. Helen Minshall ran in next with a time just outside her PB being 127.27. And completing the A&T line up are the smiling duo of Joan Cooke and Emma Higgins who I think both enjoyed the outing. They ran the course together but it looks like then decided to have a race against each other into the finish. Joan just got the nod with 132.08, ahead of Emma with 132.10 but both attained their PB's. Thanks also to the supporters Brenda, Barry, Christine and Marathon Mon for cheering us round!

Then it was time to get changed before doing some post race analysis. A few of us then decided to head to a cafe Barry and I knew about in Fleetwood. It was only up the road. Well what seemed a age later we arrived at the cafe to order a much deserved fill of food. The Baron had sausage, egg and chips but Barry decided to have a food fight with himself by throwing a toasted teacake into his crotch butter side down! I thought this may have been a ploy to get one of the ladies situated at either side of him to wipe him down! You can't take your Dad anywhere! After a bit of banter and a chuckle we then all parted ways for the trip home.

Gin Pit Marathon Double‏

 

Hi everyone at A&T

I think most of you know that I am arranging the 2^nd running of the Gin Pit Double Marathon event starting and finishing at the Gin Pit on Saturday and Sunday 24^th & 25^th March 2012, 9:30am start. I have 40 entrants each day. These range from multiple marathon runners, Ultra runners, Ironman Tri-athletes and from A&T we have Stuart Adamson, Steve Coleman and myself.

The course is one large loop and consists mainly of the local trails, stretching towards Monton and canal towpaths to Platt Bridge before returning along the trails through Hindley Green & Howe Bridge. I will be putting signs up to help runners but plan the course to be a self guiding race and I will be offering maps and directions to runners at the beginning of the day.

I am looking to build a team to help manage the marathon each day. Some A&T members have already offered their services on one or both days but the following roles still need filling:

1. Race Day Coordinator.

To be based at the Gin Pit, oversee the race and any problems that may occur. To keep track on how the runners are doing & when they have cleared each of the check points.

2. Time Keeper for Saturday.

I suppose this role is self explanatory.

Don’t worry its not too hard a job as there will only be around 40 runners per day, spread over a couple of hours. It won’t be as hectic as the Gin Pit 5! Once I have come in at about 3 hours 45 mins, I’ll be happy to help or take over this role.

3. I am hoping for some volunteers to help man 4 check points/water stations.

I hope to provide 3 manned water stations along the canal:-

At Monton

At Marsland Green Bridge, Astley

At Bamforlong, Platt Bridge

The fourth water/check point is in Hindley Green at the 22.25 mile point to guide runners from the road back onto the trails. Susanne has offered to cover this point on the Sunday but I would love someone to offer to cover this point on the Saturday.

People manning the check points will be given water, biscuits and Jelly Babies to hand out. They will also be given a list of runners so runners can check off as they pass. Once all runners have passed a check point please contact the “Race Day Coordinator” to confirm all runners have completed the stage of the race.

5. If possible additional marshals for Astley Hospital, Mosley Common and Ellenbrook.

My wife, Yuk-Lam and her sister are planning on running the kitchen at the Gin Pit to provide hot drinks and pasties to finishers and any A&T members who are about on the day. I’m sure she would welcome any offers of assistance.

Please contact me by one of the methods below if you would like to help in anyway on either day. The more helpers the easier and more fun this special event will be. Also members helping with this event might find it an opportunity to meet some interesting and experienced long distance runners and tri-athletes.

Last year some members ran the first half of the course to Marsland Green Bridge as a training run (or further if you wish). Members are welcome to do this again on either day, I’m sure it will help a few of you with your training for spring marathons like London & Manchester. The only thing I ask is you don’t take the water from the drinks stations as I am only planning enough for the entrants.

If you are unable to help, you are still welcome to come down to the Gin Pit to cheer the runners home. The first runners should be coming in shortly after 12:30pm.

The event was well liked by last year’s runners and 14 are returning to do it all over again. Let’s show what a friendly club A&T is and what a great marathon event we can host!

My contact details are:-

malc26.2@gmail.com

Tel 07739 393 393

Thanks

Malc

Club Meeting

The next club meeting is on Sunday 11th March at 8pm in the cricketers room at the Gin Pit.

Any agenda idea's please email Mark Riches mark.riches@talk21.com

2012 Renewals deadline

The online paypal renewals will close tomorrow so if you haven't already renewed and want to pay the lower fee do it now.

If you want to renew but for some reason cannot do it tomorrow just email a committee member before we close off.

Remember if you have not renewed you cannot use the track and will instead have to pay Leigh Harriers £3.00 directly every session.

Marathon Training - Sunday 26th February - 21 mile run

Anyone who fancies joining the marathon troops, on Sunday 26th Feb we are meeting at 11am on the Gin Pit car park for a 21.7 mile run! http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5286422  (courteousy of Terry G).  If you don't want to run the whole distance, have a look at the route and you can always cut off along the way.

See you then!
Michaela

Revised Times for the Central Lancs 5k

Pos	Num	M	F	Name	Cat	CatPos	Club	Pace per Km/Mile	Time
5	826	005		Lewis Eccleston	MJ	(001/014)	Astley & Tyldesley RC	03.16/05.16	00:16:22
20	861	020		Colin Rigby	M40	(006/035)	Astley & Tyldesley RC	03.29/05.37	00:17:26
48	856	046		John Lee	M45	(007/022)	Astley & Tyldesley RC	03.49/06.09	00:19:06
54	820	052		Jason Owen	M40	(009/035)	Astley & Tyldesley RC	03.53/06.14	00:19:23
65	635		005	Josie Maley	F	(003/035)	Astley & Tyldesley RC	03.57/06.21	00:19:45
77	944	070		Ian Newcombe	M50	(009/020)	Astley & Tyldesley RC	04.01/06.28	00:20:07
79	946	072		Robin Chan	MJ	(010/014)	Astley & Tyldesley RC	04.03/06.30	00:20:13
82	876	075		Terry Gardiner	M45	(010/022)	Astley & Tyldesley RC	04.05/06.34	00:20:25
85	877	078		Craig Little	M	(031/050)	Astley & Tyldesley RC	04.06/06.36	00:20:31
98	907	088		Craig Bradbury	M40	(020/035)	Astley & Tyldesley RC	04.13/06.47	00:21:03
109	646	098		David Crowe	M45	(014/022)	Astley & Tyldesley RC	04.22/07.01	00:21:48
116	643	103		Paul Basnett	M40	(022/035)	Astley & Tyldesley RC	04.27/07.09	00:22:13
118	645		014	Suzanne Gregory	F35	(002/011)	Astley & Tyldesley RC	04.27/07.10	00:22:17
119	663	105		Nasser Isman-Egal	M	(037/050)	Astley & Tyldesley RC	04.29/07.13	00:22:25
126	899	112		Mark Crowley	M50	(014/020)	Astley & Tyldesley RC	04.32/07.18	00:22:40
132	941	116		Andrew Howell	M40	(025/035)	Astley & Tyldesley RC	04.34/07.21	00:22:50
135	697		017	Kelly Anne Towns	F	(007/035)	Astley & Tyldesley RC	04.35/07.23	00:22:57
138	675	119		Steve Eldridge	M40	(027/035)	Astley & Tyldesley RC	04.37/07.25	00:23:04
149	670		023	Kim Oneill	F45	(003/012)	Astley & Tyldesley RC	04.43/07.35	00:23:35
163	626	135		Ian Bushrod	M50	(019/020)	Astley & Tyldesley RC	04.53/07.51	00:24:23
166	928	138		Barry Allman	M55	(008/012)	Astley & Tyldesley RC	04.54/07.53	00:24:30
174	879		031	Anne Garvey	F35	(005/011)	Astley & Tyldesley RC	05.04/08.10	00:25:21
190	819		040	Marjorie Leigh	F60	(001/001)	Astley & Tyldesley RC	05.19/08.33	00:26:33
197	945		043	Branda Wane	F50	(006/009)	Astley & Tyldesley RC	05.23/08.40	00:26:55
207	84		051	Catherine Hodgetts	F40	(006/006)	Astley & Tyldesley RC	05.34/08.58	00:27:51
218	948		056	Clare Unsworth	F35	(010/011)	Astley & Tyldesley RC	06.07/09.50	00:30:34

Latest Road Standings

Road Standings after Race 1 - click on link below

http://www.astleyrunners.co.uk/documents/blog_docs/roadchamps2012.xls

 

All future updates can be found in the 'road section'  

 

 

CLGP 5k by Paul Basnett

On Sunday morning A&T had a good turn out of 27 athletes for the opening race of the 2012 CLGP campaign at Leverhulme Park, Bolton. The distance was 5k with one particularly difficult hill to climb at between the 1 and 2k marker. The race, for A&T, produced some outstanding performances, some PBs, some prize winners, some comebacks, some new faces and some faces worthy of winning gurning competitions as people took their bodies through the pain threshold! I know I for one was in alsorts of pain hanging on for the best part of 4k after a more than exhuberant start!

A total of 246 runners completed the event in which Michael Sawrey of Stockport Harriers was first home in 15.42. For A&T Lewis Eccleston carried on from where he left off in 2011 with another outstanding race to claim the 5th position prize with 16.22. Next home was Colin Rigby who put in another good run taking 20th place with 17.26. John Lee just managed to finish ahead of Jason Owen, who was running in A&T colours for the first time, as they both put in good times on a difficult course with 19.05 and 19.10 respectively. Next was Josie Maley, our first lady home and 5th lady in the race with a great time of 19.37. Ian Newcombe, I believe running his first road race in A&T colours, came next with 20.03. Robin Chan was hot on his heels and finished like a train with 20.07. It was good to see Terry Gardiner nearing his best with 20.22, which was a great run considering he'd done a 17 mile, 15 mile training run the day before! Next home it was good to see Craig Little racing in A&T colours again with a very solid 20.27. Following Craig home was Craig Bradbury with 20.51. Another getting back to somewhere near his best was Dave Crowe producing 21.46. It was good to see and I think I need to buy a bike! The Baron came next with 22.07, with Suzanne Gregory closing me down toward the line with 22.15 and taking the female vet 35 prize in the process. Both the Baron and Suzanne managed to hold off the self proclaimed 5k specialist Nasser Ismal-Egal, who ran in 22.17. Mark Crowley produced a good run with 22.40 to out race Andrew Howell, who was running for A&T for the first time, with a solid 22.50. KellyAnne Towns, another recent addition to A&T, came in next with a very good 22.57. Steve Eldridge thought he'd make a guest appearance and come for a Sunday morning run with 23.04. Next came Kim Oneill in her first 5k race and putting those track efforts to the test with a good opening account of 23.35. Ian Bushrod put in a decent performance with 24.23, and just managed to outrun Barry Allman, who appears to be starting to move back in the right direction with 24.30. Let's hope so! Next came Anne Garvey, who fresh from a night out on the tiles ran in a very creditable 25.21. Not sure I could have done it! Majorie Leigh, whilst admitting 5k's are not really her thing, put in a good performance to take the female vet 60 prize with 26.33. Next home it was good to see Brenda Wane back racing in an A&T vest with 26.55. Let's hope we see more of her in the races to come. Cath Hodgetts ran in next with 27.51 and completing the A&T line up was Clare Unsworth attaining her PB with 30.35. This is after being out with injury so perhaps more to come from Clare in the near future.

A special mention goes to Louise Dobson who started the race but pulled out after about 300m unable to breathe properly. Hopefully Louise will get everything sorted soon after recent illness and injury. Maybe when we hear she's back drinking cocktails rather than lattes will be the sign. Thanks also to the numerous supporters and cheerleaders along the route as it certainly does help, even if some of us are too busy concentrating on just breathing to acknowledge it at the time. The next race in the CLGP calendar is the Trotters 5 hosted by Burnden Road Runners which is on Sunday 4th March. Hope to see you all there.

Full Results http://ukresults.net/2012/clancs5k.html

Pictures http://www.justloverunning.co.uk/gallery/2012Bolton5k

Video of start http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpaFqxIUc9Y

Video of finish http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOfjjtf8NIk

Studmarks by Michelle Fuller

The first race for "run the moors" grandprix takes place this Sunday 19th Febuary,

Studmarks from the Summit. 

Race starts at 11.30

Category: BS

Distance: 8.8km / 5.5m

Climb: 260m / 853ft

Venue: Summit Inn, A6033 Todmorden Rd, Summit, nr Littleborough.

Grid ref: 946188 on OS 21, S Pennines.

Skills & experience: ER, PM

 

Unfortunately I cant do this race due to taking part in a mini mountain marathon.  But good luck to those that are.

 

Michelle

Central Lancs 5k - The Baron's Blowing His Bugle

This coming weekend on the Sunday 19th February at 10.30am is the opening CLGP race of the 2012 campaign at Leverhulme Park, Bolton with the Central Lancs 5k hosted by Bolton Utd Harriers. Now is the time to put all that hard work down at the track, the cold dark winter runs, the lung busting efforts and all the other training you partake in, to see what you can do in anger in aid of the club. This year sees the inclusion of another club in the form of Leigh Harriers so the competition will be even stronger with more clubs to take on. Therefore not only do we need to show the usual A&T team spirit and camaraderie but that we have the ability as a club to take on some of the best clubs in the North West. Also this race forms part of our club championship and it would be good to see more ladies down to races this year to make it a bit more of a competition in the championship and 1st division. I am living proof that you don't need to be the best runner in the club to win something so get yourself down and give it a go! Entry information is as follows http://ukresults.net/forms/120219bolton.pdf

I also suggest that those people who wish to travel in the convoy to the event meet at Atherton Station car park for 9am for a 9.15 prompt departure. If you have any questions or queries about this, or any of the up and coming events then please let me know!

Hope to see you all there.

Thanks Paul

Addition Information

2012 CLGP Road Race Calendar - http://centrallancsgrandprix.blogspot.com/2010/01/clgp-2012-fixtures-and-entry-details.html
CLGP Blog - http://centrallancsgrandprix.blogspot.com/
Road Championship Rules - http://www.astleyrunners.co.uk/html/road_champs_rules.html
2012 A&T Road Championships - http://www.astleyrunners.co.uk/documents/blog_docs/Club_Championship_2012.doc

CLGP Info

 

For info of athletes.

 

The weather looks as completely thawed for the weekend so CL5K race looks good to go. Approx 130 entries to-date so to help the organisers please get your entry in (www.ukresults.net) asap. It just saves hassle on the day. A bumper field of 300 expected. Memento's for the first 300 then it s a bun fight!!

 

If the first car park is full please also use the one next to the 5 a side pitches on the far side of the track BUT leave the car park actually behind and at the side of the football building as that the private car park for the footballers ( I will tape off the one you cant use). If the entrance to the park taped off it will mean the car parks are full. Toilets and showers available and a few lockers (£1 coin needed)

 

Please no ear phones in the race. It is a pure health and safety issue and may render you disqualified.

 

Enjoy the race and remember not to moan as just like you we don't like like it if something goes wrong, we don't get paid etc etc just a kind word in our ear and we will try and ensure we get it right or better next time, but what am I saying nothing will go wrong!!

 

Nick Howarth

 

Track News

Tonight Shaun met with the coach of Wigan Tri Club who are now using the track on Monday's.

He agreed that A&T are free to use the track up to 7.15pm before they start their session.

They agreed not to use any of the inner lanes before 7.15pm.

So we need to be at the track, warmed up and ready to start our session at 6.30pm prompt from now on.

After our session we (A&T) will need to use the outer lanes to cool down.

Thank you for your understanding.


Gary

Mad Dog 10k

Ian Bushrod & Karen Jones competed in the Mad Dog 10k yesterday and clocked the same time of 51 mins 19 secs.

A&T cross-country Barrow 11/02/12 – by Mark Riches

Only 5 A&T runners made the 4 hour round trip to Barrow plus 1 supporter (Joanne Riches) It was bitter cold & more than a little unnerving to see that there was a cemetery running parallel with the course!

Our 2 ladies (Anne Garvey & Emma Higgins) were first to brave the cold & tackle the 5K course. Anne was first A&T finisher in 29.30 followed by Emma (33.18) who secured the U35 Club Championship – well done ladies

Next it was the turn of the 3 A&T men (Paul Basnett, Barry Allman & yours truly Mark Riches) This time it was 9K but very run able with only one hill to speak of. I was first A&T finisher (1^st & probably only time this season) in 36.33. Next it was Paul 45.19 who didn’t stop to pose for the camera this year & even out-sprinted someone at the end of the race although he was 67 years old. Barry completed the line up with a solid run 51.22 & even passed his bright orange hat to Joanne as he was too warm

No Brenda’s cafe but Emma stepped up & provided us all with very welcome warm Vimto sandwiches / biscuits / crisps etc – thanks Emma

Emma also had us all in stitches with her ‘hotties hand warmer’ - if you had been outside the tent you would have wondered what was going on when she announced “the harder you rub the hotter it gets”

Next & last race Worden Park Leyland 03/03/12 – see you all there

Marathon Mon completes Quadzilla!!

Massive congratulations to the amazing and slightly crazy Malc Collins on completing 4 marathons in 4 days all in under 4hrs! Another fantastic achievement! Well done Malc, we are all in awe!

Manchester Marathon Volunteers - UPDATE

See below email just sent from the organiser...

Hi Gary,

You have 20 marshals registered.

I have placed your group at the water station on the approach to the finish, just over a mile away from the finish line. This water station serves as the last one before finish line.

The water station also serves runners early in the race, with runners coming past a the 7k mark. The station will be located just opposite Stretford Mall on Kingsway.

I’ll have a map over to you shortly just waiting for it to come back from the designers.

If you have any questions please let me know.

Many thanks

Tim Holdsworth

Relationship Manager

Quadzilla day 4

I woke up this morning to find my right shin all red and swollen. This is something I've never experienced before. I got some ice from the bar and some anti inflammatory tablets from another runner. I massaged my shin with the ice till 15 minutes before the start of the race. I decided to wear my ipod to distract me from my aches and pains. As it was the last day I went for it from the start. At half way my time was 1 hour 39 mins and I knew I was on for something special. The weather was still very cold but not quite freezing, light cloud and a fresh breeze. My aches and pains got no worse and I finished in 3 hours 28 minutes 31 seconds. Quadzilla done!
Malc

Ribby Hall Triathlon 22 April

Just a reminder that Ribby Hall Tri entries close this week and the organiser has just emailed to tell me the event is nearly full. Enter online asap if you want to join in the fun!
Fylde Tri-olgy Triathlon Series


 www.ukforms.net

Quadzilla - Day 3

Frost was the order of the day today but at least it was sunny and calm. After a very stiff start, I got into my running during the second lap. With steady running throughout the race I managed another sub 4 hour run coming in at 3 hours 54 minutes and 5 seconds. Still on target for all 4 races under 4 hours but the legs are now aching in all sorts of places. We’ll just have to see what happens tomorrow.

Malc
 

Parbold Hill Race by Gary Stevens

Parbold Hill Race Report - a race of two halves!

4 of A&T's finest travelled the short distance to Parbold to compete in the Parbold Hill race. Some say it's 6.7 miles, others say 7 plus, I suppose it depends if you follow the shortest route round which is not always possible to do.

There were lots of people saying they had only entered the race because it had featured in Runners World top 5 races of February which caused the race to be full and then a delay of 15 minutes to the start time.

I was very nervous for this event, not only I had been injured and not had a full weeks training for 5 weeks but looking at the ground it felt rock hard and was hoping to not break my ankle, leg or worse.

Michelle Fuller looked very cheery before the race but admitted she didn't know what was in store and Kelly Anne Towns looked more nervous , I wonder if Kelly Anne had some inside knowledge of what was in store. It's always a pleasure to see John Foulds who loves this kind of race and looked bang up for it.

At 2.15pm the gun went off.  It was one lap of the field before hitting a half mile road stretch. I set off quite hard as I knew the first hill was pretty narrow and didn't want to get blocked in. We turned left from the road and straight into the first climb which is about ¾'s of a mile and pretty steep. As the saying goes it sorted the men out from the boys and already you could hear the heavy breathing and for once it wasn't Nasser!

After the first hill you come to a farmers field section which takes in a few stiles and fence climbs. The ground was very hard underfoot. At mile 3 we took in another short road section before hitting the start of Parbold Hill itself. The first section is trail before hitting the road section of the hill about 1/3 of the way up. This climb was horrible and I was fighting the demons in my head telling me to 'walk'. I finally got to the top I knew the hard part was done with roughly 3 more miles to the finish.

The next section of the race is normally very muddy from my previous experience but this year all the mud had frozen solid which made the race very dangerous, in my opinion it was ankle breaker terrain and I was not willing to take my chances so I just eased off and tried to survive in one piece. With around a mile to go you hit a rock section, the marshal was warning us that the rocks were very slippy and to slow right down, he was right.

The final part of the course took in another farmers field before we hit a stream crossing, a great place for a photographer to be standing and I’m looking forward to seeing my picture as I was ankle deep when the flash went off.

Finally I got to the finish and was given a Mars bar for my troubles before going to the fire engine to be hosed down, seriously!

I never saw Kelly Anne finish but was told later than she won't be back next year, Michelle Fuller admitted to finding it very hard work and John Foulds was like a pig in mud!

Results :

1^st Andy Peers Liverpool 40.43

73^rd Gary Stevens 52.31

301^st (34^th Lady) Kelly Anne Towns 1.06.41

428^th (56^th Lady) Michelle Fuller 1.14.54