Race Report by David Phillips
There was a half, 10k and fun run from the racecourse today so I joined the 270 in the half-what else would you expect? This is regarded as one of the toughest halves on the circuit and as an old hand at it I agree.
It’s not just the 1st 2.5 miles that is all uphill, or the huge hill between 6 and 7.5 (none steeper anywhere), but from 9 to 12 it’s just long uphill drags with small downhill bits until 12. Then it’s almost vertical downhill to the finish on the racecourse. Only the last furlong was flat!
The course was on small rural roads in beautiful countryside with just a few houses en route in very isolated Staffs countryside. What more could you want a week after London?
Then the surprise of the day came at the prize-giving when I won the >70 age category 1st prize-a £10 cheque. So now I’m a pro and being paid to run. Hm-do I tell HMRC, put it on my tax return as “income” or give it to Dave Cameron to bank in my Panama account for me on his next trip?
So a thoroughly good day out. At least the hills should mean that tomorrow’s Kenilworth Abbey Fields 10k should be a doddle. For those who don’t know the Abbey run is a 3 lapper and there are 4 hills per lap – 4*3= 12. Oh my gawd!
Massey time:
Dave Phillips 2hrs 30 mins.
PS This Wed’s evening Dudley 10k is not too hilly