Report by James Watson
After the rude interruption from the Covid-19 pandemic it was great for our Club to be able to run a somewhat belated 2021 Incline race.
Wirksworth’s Chris Hubbard and Liz Abrahams
Ten minutes before the race began, most of the runners were sheltering from torrential rain but by 10.59 the steely grey clouds parted to reveal a blue sky and the pinging of Whatsapp messages from our damp race marshalls on Middleton Moor saying they were ready to roll.
In what was a hard fought race, Colin Davenport (Matlock AC) was first over the line in 26.44, closely followed by Keith Swainson (Dark Peak Runners) ad Simon Fisher (Matlock AC). U18, James Briggs (Matlock AC) ran a great race too in 29.07 coming first in his age category and seventh overall.
First woman was Ruth Keeley (Belper Harriers) in 30:45, hotly pursued by 15-year-old Amelia Corke, only 18 seconds behind.
Jacob Fry was first Wirksworth runner
Our very own club members pitched in, with great performances from eight runners – Denise Mackey (50.27), Jacob Fry (29.14), Greg Kirby (31.28), Dave Spencer (33.22), David Rowson (33.44), Liz Abrahams (40.22), Kathy Mitchell (40.49) and Chris Hubbard (40.20).
Kathy came first in the female V60 age category, clearly benefiting from all of her London Marathon training. Jacob’s Top 10 performance was pretty impressive too. So, all in all, what a great curtain raiser to 2022!
Helen Robinson made sure there was a rainbow in the rain
Finally, thanks to fellow volunteers for blowing off the race organisation cobwebs! It was our first combining of online registration, online payment and the use of Webscorer, so special thanks goes to John Hobson, Alun Richards Jones, Nikki Rose and Andy Rose for their brilliant navigation of the technology, as well as everyone else who stood out in the rain and got very, very wet!
All results can be viewed here Incline 2021 | Race results | Webscorer
Team Batman were tremendous volunteers
Peter Johnston staying dry