Report by Graham Robinson
December’s installment of BDL excitement saw the intrepid WRC heading to the wilds of Ilkeston to brave the 7.6km (sounds more impressive than the equivalent 4.7 miles) cross-country course.
Race organisers had reported in advance decent firm underfoot conditions. However that was before Storm Arwen’s snow and plunging temperatures created the more character building conditions we found on race day.
Coping admirably with the rain, sunshine and winds, WRC contributed 6 ladies and 10 men to this great team event which saw 210 runners pitting themselves against the elements. This brilliant club turn out had results literally spanning the field. Chris’s fantastic first position was made all the more impressive considering he was at one point incorrectly directed! Fortunately he was quickly called back and still had plenty in the tank to bring home gold! I shall not start any home marshalling conspiracy theories, especially considering the conditions. The marshals did such a brilliant and encouraging job.
The course consisted of interesting and technical sections involving slopes, puddles, twists and turns, puddles, single track wooded sections, puddles and a rather mean uphill finale. Runners were constantly faced with the dilemna of the route choice, plough through the muddy central line or try and gain better traction on the firmer (but more uneven) sides. Exciting times! I think my feet ended up wetter than last month’s four stream crossings at Chaddesden!
These events are really good fun, very inclusive and are a very supportive club effort. So make a note in your calendars for the next one on the 16th of January at Bramcote. What better way to kick start your New Year running resolutions! Thanks again to WRC Captain Lewis for organising our BDL entries, bring on Bramcote.
Results