5 Lostockers joined 155 to complete the MadbullSanta Dash. Fancy dress is a requirement to take part in this race and participants did not disappoint. On the start line there were a plethora of Santa’s but also the Grinch, elves, reindeer, snowmen and even a Christmas cracker!
This is always a tough race starting outside Curley’s Dining Rooms and then heading along Wallsuches, before turning left and starting an ascent up to Georges Lane. There is a loop of Wilderswood and then another steep climb up Two lads.
It was an extremely cold down and the temperatures on the top of Two Lads was freezing. Rachel, who had dressed as an angel, was required to keep old of her halo to avoid it blowing off in the wind. Runners were awarded with a Curly Wurly when they reached the summit. A huge thank you to the marshal braving the elements to hand these out.
There was no time to enjoy the chocolate treat. It is a quick descent down Two Lads and then across Georges Lane and down through the fields next to Wilderswood. Despite this part of the race being down hill it was extremely slippery underfoot and participants struggled to stay upright. The descent was followed by a left turn, to head back to the beginning.
This led to more mud and huge puddles, some runners who had been able to keep their feet dry until this point but there was no way around the puddles. The tarmac at Wallsucheswas a welcome sight. It was then a quick sprint to the finish. The race covering 4 miles and an elevation gain of 850ft.
The first Lostock AC member to cross the finish line was Chris in an awesome 43:50. He was shortly followed by Tony in 45:01 and Ian in 47:55. Rachel and Sheila ran the race together, enjoying taking some selfies and they completed the course finishing in 58:28 and 58:45. Rachel was also able to finish the run wearing her halo and keeping her dress white despite the mud.
It was a lovely festive run with finishers being awarded with a Christmas tree shaped medal that will take pride of place on everyone’s Christmas tree.
