I managed to persuade my husband to bring my children along to watch me race around the sunny hills overlooking Hay on Wye. The Hay Hotfooters website said to allow plenty of time for the ten minute walk from the carpark to the race registration and I thought I had got there early enough but it was quite a walk from the carpark to the registration, especially with little five year old legs and then there was the queue for the portaloo, so my warm up was the jog up the hill from the registration tent to make sure I didn’t miss the start! I did make it in time to say hello to everyone and catch up with Rachel on her royal visit in the week before.
A very chripy welshman started the race with 197 runners taking part, 12 from Croft Ambrey. I really enjoyed the run, mostly on soft grass with a few muddy patches, which suited me as I had been suffering from an aching back the week before. At one point I could see the front runners after turning a corner and was pleased to see Andrew out in front. The halfway point was also uplifting as I had my own little crowd of supporters cheering me on near the water station.
A few hills later, not too many people passed me, I did even manage to pass a few runners on the uphill which doesn’t always happen. A nice downhill finish, with more cheering from my fan club and I finished in less than 55 minutes in 97th place – which the boys weren’t very impressed with until I pointed out that 100 people finished behind me!
The race was won byAustin Davies Brecon AC in 37.33. The womens race by Rebecca Davies of Wye Valley in 46.03.
The Croft mens team thought they may of had a chance of a medal with Andrew finishing in 5th (an amazing 39.54), Glyn in 8th (42.44) and Rob in 15th (43.47) but unfortunately that wasn’t to be.
Other Croft times:
Martin Williams 26th 45.28, Patrick Pearson(29th) 45.54, Frank Luscot (53rd) 49.44, Gary Gunner (58th) 49.58, Guy Whitmarsh(67th) 51.01, Tom Davies (74th) 51.5, Ashley Robinson (77th) 52.21, Rachel Nelson (137th) 59.46.
A lovely spread of cakes finished the mornings racing off nicely and a picnic with the boys with such stunning views made for a lovely end to the half term week.