Race report by Gareth:
Yesterday saw the first race on the road calendar, the Blackburn winter warmer.
And the green machine turned out in force with an incredible turnout of 22 members toeing the line out of a field of 719. Just for context, we put this race on in 2023 and there were 7 of us!
A relatively late start time of 11:00 meant we all had time for at least 2 poos before heading up to Blackburn (go on Rach, leave this bit in for the paper 😜).
Starting on the track at Witton Park you are lulled into a false sense of security with a super fast start with everyone jockeying for position before heading out onto the road. Then it gets tough, turning left up the infamous climb of Buncer Lane, where you slog away up about 400ft over 1.5 miles before reaching the summit at bang on 2 miles and then down past the fantastically titled Clog & Billycock pub. There are 2 great things about running uphill: you get to run downhill & the views! And this race doesn’t disappoint on either count. Great views over the countryside of Pleasington & surrounding areas you’re mostly on quiet country lanes throughout and it’s really lovely and it’s a bloody quick downhill for 2 miles! Then there’s a little sting in the tail with a sharp climb when you enter mile 5 with an equally sharp downhill then a steady mild uphill mile or so to the finish across a random field & pick up a long straight cycle path & back on the track for the longest lap of your life 🤣. This is a really top event
Too many people to mention everyone, I’ll be here all day and I’ve got a job to do lol. Massive well done to Janet for coming 1st FV50 out of 50 funnily enough & to Gillian for once again winning the FV70, this has become a regular occurrence! Big shout outs to Hazel for coming 2nd FV45 out of 56, she and Greg had a great run round together keeping each other going all the way and to Luke for finishing 3rd junior 👊👊 & to Sally who showed me a clean pair of heels and ran super strong (I speak from experience here as I tried and failed to catch her after she passed me at mile 2) to come 4th FV60.
Paul Edwards was first Lostocker back in a super quick 41:27, incredible time on such a tough course. I think we’re in for a great tussle for the MV35 for a change this year as Andy K & Antony also put in top performances. And special mention to Gill B who somehow managed a faster time than Benidorm on this tough course.
This is a great event, really well organised, super friendly with loads of supportive marshals and there was also a family 2K run before the main event and it was lovely to see Lostockers in waiting Leo Foulkes, Edie and Wilfred Edwards having a blast 😊.
Great running everyone 💚🖤
