Cherry Moger reports
The race was attended by four eager MAC’s ready to race around the beautiful countryside of East Cheshire. It is a runnable 9km ‘wonky lollipop’ shaped course with 320m of elevation.
There are two facts I didn’t know about this lovely village until I looked it up…
On race day there were a few beards but nothing to match ‘ole Amos. The closest was that of fell running royalty Darren Fishwick to come vaguely close. He had been attracted back to the race for a second year in a row, which says sometimes about what this race has to offer to break him away from his mission to complete every race in the FRA handbook!
Registration was in the quaint village hall where you were greeted by friendly faces and the delicious waft of chilli ready for the return of tired runners and supporters alike. There was a fabulous raffle that included Bimble and Bolt, Running Bear and Chinley Sauna vouchers to name just a few of the cracking prizes up for grabs.
The morning started with the sun out but with a bit of a chill in the air. Goose bumps appeared prominently on the skin of brave runners wearing just a vest and shorts. After a brief introduction to the race by the RD, we were all off and hurtling along the road down to the first field that the cows had kindly churned up to make sure you were paying attention to your footings. You had to remember this was also going to be your return journey.
After a wobbly wooden stile that gave you a breather if further back in the pack waiting patiently to leap over, it was a steady undulating climb passing around Hawkhurst Head at 298m and finally to the tops under Whaley Moor at 353m, to be treated to some incredible views. The wind was actually quite a refreshing welcome addition after the runnable ascent in the glorious sunshine.
It wasn’t long before you were heading back down the fast few fields interspersed by the odd gate or stile to the churned up cow field. Again, you were reminded at this point that what went down at the start, must go back up. The finish ascent somehow didn’t seem as long as it felt on the way out, and before you knew it, you were seeing the friendly faces of the volunteers again on the finish field at the rear of the village hall.
The medals presented to you were hand drawn by the local school children, and all were individual which was a charming touch to the race detail.
Looking at the photos it seemed we all had a fun but a good workout. Karl Webster appeared to be putting in a shift, as did Cherry Moger. Tom Withers looked to be concerned he may be flashing a bit too much nipple for the camera, and Mick Fowler had a calm but determined air about him.
The winner this year, was also last years winner, Andrew Heyes from Dark Peak Fell Runners in 34:03, and the first female in 7th overall was Katie Walshaw from Holmfirth Harriers in a quick 40:47
Karl in 41st position was the first MAC in with 48:50, next Tom in 74th with 52:59. Hot on his tail was Cherry in 79th with 53:50, and to reunite the quartet was Mick in 157th with 01:13:25
A great little race to sharpen you up for the start of the fell season.
