Bob Foreman reports:
On a glorious, but chilly, Boxing Day morning 152 runners set off under a blue sky for the 5th running of The Totley Two Turtle Doves Fell Race, just over 5 miles and 1,000 feet.
A lap of the cricket field at the start, which is customary for Totley races, and then a short stretch of tarmac before into the woods. Down to the stepping stones and then around a mile uphill through the woods to the top corner of the Blacka Moor plantation. Lovely flatish running on the muddy bridleway to Totley Moor then a steep descent and the same short stretch of tarmac back to the finish at the cricket pavilion.
The race was won by Finlay Grant (u23) of Dark Peak in 33.06 and the first lady was Becky Penty u/a in 40.48.
First home for MAC was Toby Gill, 3rd o/a in 34.45 followed by Greg Hopkinson, 4th in 35.49.
Next home was Bob Foreman, 38th and 1st M60 in 43.58, Megan Elliot 88th in 52.18, Jess Gill 97th in 53.45 closely followed by mum Hayley, 98th in 53.47.
Rounding off a family day out and looking very green Steve Gill finished 100th in 53.59, having lost a few places whilst stopping to throw up some Christmas excess.
Prizes were presented outside the Cricket Inn pub and the biggest cheer was for Steve Gill who won the best prize of the day, the spot prize for finishing in 100th place!
Someone has suggested that Steve had known there was a prize for 100th place, and being a bright lad, had counted the runners in front of him from the start and on realising he was too far up the field feigned sickness so that the required number could pass him!
Another well organised race by Totley AC and just the job to burn off Christmas lard.
Photos of the event from Andy Mutley Photos (Facebook page)
