The race:
Most fit runners would find an off road run of just over 15mls and nearly 4000ft of climb tough. The Roaches is much more than that what with heavy muddy fields, followed by the rocky Roaches ridge, the initially stony then woodland descent to the Dane river crossing, more boggy fields and finally the climb up Shutlingsloe; Except you then have to do the reverse all the way back to Meerbrook. Most struggle on the climb back up to the Roaches and some are reduced to intermittent walking/plodding when they hit the heavy mud near the end.
A high turnout of harriers with 21 racing and quite a few more supporting/marshalling (thanks all). A lot of good performances in particular from Robbie Peal 1st harrier back in 2hrs 28 (outstanding for an 18 year old); Gillian Lindsey in 2hrs 46 ca 20mins, quicker than her 2016 placing her 3rd lady and 1st lady vet and Andrea Frost in 3hrs 03 1st LV50. Gillian, Andrea and Kathleen O’Donnell (3hrs 05) made up the winning ladies team. Steph Wood and Clare Griffin were close behind Kathleen (5 ladies in the top 12!)
Effect on our champs table:
With just the Club Handicap to go Robbie Peal now looks to have it in the bag. Mark Messenger who needs to do a “long” could steal it if he has a good run on the Club Handicap.
The ladies are too tight to call with Gillian just leading from Kathleen and Andrea not far behind.
In the handicap competition for the Ken Hall trophy (a big rock) Dan Croft currently leads with Gillian Lindsey in close contention and Matt Lewis 3rd. Mark Messenger could win if he has a par run on the last race.]
Club enthusiasts are Andrea Frost for the ladies (14 races) and Barry Blyth for the men (18 races).
Now thinking about next year’s competition let me know your thoughts.
Barry