Race report by Dave Phillips.
Politely and kindly known as the DKUK10K this popular run has been going for 15+ years now and I reckon I’ve done the majority of them. It was so popular that a few years ago they had to close the numbers at 1300 runners but around 800 toed the start line last night. Trouble was there was a late start (problems with runners collecting numbers that went missing apparently), so I foresaw a darkish finish for me.
Good news was that all the roads were closed from start to finish. Bad news was it is a fairly hilly course with 6 inclines.
But why would anyone go to Dudley at all, never mind to run? Well the HQ is at Dudley RFC (where I played several times for Kenilworth and never won), and this is out in the lovely county side near the golf course and the single lap course meanders through lovely lanes, wooded areas in completely rural areas with hardly a house in sight-just a pub with loads of supporters.
As usual the marshals were superb and “black country friendly” where I was frequently asked “Ow am yer mate-luking grate. Yow kan do it”.
However I was right as it was a cloudy dark evening and it was 2040 hrs when I jogged over the finish line and it was almost dark and all the cars had lights on. Never mind with closed roads who cared? Another one done.
This area used to be famous for its glass making and for years we had an engraved wine goblet for finishing but it’s now another high tech bright yellow T Shirt with DK10K plastered on the front. The last thing I need is another T Shirt so if anyone wants it just put in a bid and the money will be donated to the Brain and Spine Foundation Charity. Just email me, highest bidder in the 1st 5 will win!! Please email me your bid to: david@phillipsaccounting.co.uk
Massey time:
Dave Phillips: 74mins 37 secs.