Race report by David Phillips.
Ilmington Race 10.13k (6.3M) 25.10.20
1st in the Winter Series of 5.
Well I can hardly believe it. This was my 1st race since 15th March so the 7 month layoff is indeed a 1st for me. Wasn’t off for this length of time when I broke my leg!
So what can I say?
First a huge thanks to the superb organisers Tempo Events and to Rob and Sarah for their wonderful organisation. Normally all the runners start together at 1030 and just get on with it. This time there were 167 runners in 34 groups of a max of 6 in each group starting at 0825hrs and each group going off at 5 minute intervals. I was in group 34 with just 2 others and we went off at 1210 hrs. The fast lady in our group sped off leaving just 2 of us left so social distancing was no problem and we didn’t see any other runners ‘till near the end. So a self-isolating run it soon became.
This time we went off in the anti-clockwise direction which means it’s all virtually all steeply uphill for 4k to the highest point in Warwickshire where the views over the counties of Warks/Gloucs/Oxon/Worcs/Hereford? were spectacular to say the least especially as it was really sunny.
Then at the top it was mostly downhill back to Ilmington at 6k where there were a few runners heading to the finish but the last 4k round the village is mostly upwards again but less severe.
At last the sports field was in sight with the finish but not too many other runners as they had finished ages ago.
So there were no face masks needed for the 2 of us at the back and all in all it was great fun even if very tough.
Then the usual sausages for the finishers (having those now for dinner) and coffee and cakes as usual at the pavilion entrance.
So all in all a most enjoyable day and again well done Tempo Events for achieving what many race organisers have not done this year.
Look forward to race 2 in November when I can “sweep” again to make sure they all finish!
Lastly I kept the Red and White flag flying as I was the only Massey runner there so 1st home for Massey!
Results.
Dave Phillips 84.16. 165th out of 167. 2nd in age category (only 2 of us in it however!).
