On one of the warmest evenings of the year, 30 Croft runners assembled in the depths of Mortimer Forest, where all was beautifully still and relatively cool, as we awaited the start of the fourth running of this 1.4 mile uphill ‘fun’ race. Just before the off Eric was caught on camera praying, apparently for a PB.
Someone gave the signal and the mass start soon saw the speed merchants leave the rest of us behind, but in fact we all fairly quickly became strung out, making Louise’s job of taking pictures halfway up the first slope somewhat easier, and some of us were still able to smile.
By the first bend I had overtaken a walking Tim J, but also knew the sleeping giant would awaken and pass me in turn. Thea was just ahead, and she took the second bend wide, to avoid the stony inside track, which I would have opted for had my mind been less concerned with just keeping going. Then Sam H went smoothly past, but without the breath to talk save for offering to say more at the finish. Gary, who had left me 40m behind on the first slope was still much the same distance in front. After the third bend the track flattened a little allowing for a little more speed, but with all of us benefitting equally I made no gains. Tim J was now pulling further ahead, and Neil too, who had, like Sam, moved smoothly past me, making me feel decidedly sluggish. Around the next, penultimate bend I saw Gary walking but I still failed to gain much ground. The second half of this fourth slope was a little gentler, giving us a little breathing space before the final haul. At the last turn, Steph joyfully pointed us left towards the summit. There is a steep initial climb, then a level 150m before the final ascent. Because of the height of the bracken much of the track and any runners on it, was out of sight so we were left to fight our own individual battles up to the finish.
Eric’s prayers had clearly been answered as he did indeed achieve a PB/course record, with considerable help though from Sam J who had pushed him all the way, finishing a mere second behind. New age category records were set by Steve P, Kelly, Mark, Neil and Sue P, while Bronwyn and Hayley C both set new PBs.
As the setting sun began to slip through a pink haze on the western horizon, we dispersed, thanking Theresa and Clare, and Anna, Bronwyn and Steph for making it such a successful event .
