Ilmington 10k – 21.10.18

Race report by Dave Phillips.

1st race of the Ilmington Winter Series 10k

Well as usual many of the locals turned up for this very tough and hilly event but only 3 red and whites kept the colours flying. Alan and Marie flew them from the front and I swept up behind most of the 245 runners so the red and whites colours were well spread out!

It was a lovely sunny day albeit a bit cool to start with but what a killer of a start with non-stop climbing up to the 4k mark right up there at the top which is the highest point in Warwickshire (so I am told). Also at the top by the radio masts way back in 1994 was the 85 mile marker painted on the road when Terry Harvey and I ran the whole of the 100 miles in the Hilly Hundred. “Just 15 to go “ I joked with Terry. “Some f****** joke” he replied!  Happy memories and that’s why I do as many of these Ilmington events as I can. Oh what used to be.

Then from 4k it was flat and downhill for 3k back towards Ilmington with spectacular views all around. Eventually the 7k marker came into view but apart from a small section of flat much of the road to the finish was uphill-albeit not so severe as the start but very hard.

I had much of the run on my own but in the final 1k there were loads of runners walking back towards me to their cars and their company and well wishes were great and I knew loads of them.

Then the usual pack of local sausages at the finish for everyone but 4 in the pack this year not 3! Guess what our dinner is tonight?

So well done Tempo Events for another super and successful event. Next one is 18/11 but the other way round so just as hilly but in reverse. Look forward to it.

Good training for my 31st Snowdonia marathon next Sat. Can’t wait.

Massey Results.

27th Alan McDougal 45.03

29th Marie Edmunds 45.09. 3rd lady runner finisher and 1stSenior Female in age category.

243rd Dave Phillips 85.15. 3rd in age category (guess the age!!).