‘They’re playing our song’

Blackburn 10K 

Sunday, 11th February 2007

 

 

Scenery:                      8

PB potential:               0

Atmosphere:               8

Organisation:              10 – loads of encouraging marshalls and the finish area was erected quick as lightning after we set off. Even a mat over the mud as we were led back onto the track. Last year’s results were on show

Value:                          10 - £7 to enter – Thinsulate hat and gloves at the finish – good spot prizes and generous      prizes.

Beginner Friendly:     10

 

We were going in Michaela’s car today for a change, (if I’m honest it’s a change to go in mine) – she made a half- hearted attempt to start her car. She turned it over once, (only cos I shouted at her if she does this more than once for fear of flooding the damn thing) – it wouldn’t start. As we were running late, I said we could go in mine. Dropped Levon off at his friends and set off for Witton Park. We drove behind a Red Rose coach on the way down! It reminded me of Red Rose Runners who incidentally were my first club. We were heading for real red rose country indeed! Just over half an hour’s drive and we were there in no time.

 

 We registered and had a natter with most of the Wesham contingent, (19 of us today and 6 of us did cross country yesterday). Alan Taylor has 70 pre entries for next week’s race. Practical joker, Mick Edge, asked me to hold his cup whilst he tied his shoe laces….and then he walked off…..so I did the same to Michaela!

 

I fell in the stream at yesterday’s cross country and was still a bit stiff/sore. I was, therefore, a bit of a slow starter today, but started to overtake a few on Buncer Lane. I moved off the pavement to get a clear run up. Photographer Steve Bateson was out on the course today, as was Mick Edge – though I know he’d rather be running!

I could see Peter Cruse and Joe Swarbrick, (Red Rose), all the way round, but couldn’t catch them despite encouragement from Brian Wilki and daughter Susan. Joe and I thought John Bertenshaw would be there – we are all a similar standard and seem to spur each other on.

 

I caught Pete on the track the last time I did this race, but it wasn’t to be today. Got a great goody bag, (Thinsulate hat and gloves). Had a ‘craic’ with a Clayton runner, Alan Clarkson – we both used to be contenders! Unusually, for a Clayton runner, Alan hates hills!

 

1st Man            Rick Hayman (Sale)                32:35

1st Lady           Pauline Powell (Blackburn)    36:41

 

3rd                    Steve Littler                           33:18

18th                  Steve Myerscough                 37:08

35th                  Alan Hudson (1st V55)            38:34

43rd                  Russell Mabbett                     39:34

53rd                  Peter Cruse                            40:26

56th                  Martin Bates                          40:50

64th                  Simon Eaton                            41:43

65th                  George Kennedy                    41:44

73rd                  Peter Gleaves                         42:11

103rd                Carmel Sullivan (2nd FV40)    43:52

118th                Alan Taylor                             45:05

123rd                Julie Cruse (1st FV45)            45:16

132nd               Michaela Dempsey                 45:44

149th                Sarah Sherratt (3rd FV35)       47:00

172nd               Chris Moss                             48:34

176th                Nigel Shepherd                       48:45

241st                Paul Carter                             52:15

262nd               Nicholas Brandwood               53:40

328th                Berni Ashworth                      58:50

 

Wesham Mens Team 3rd and Ladies 2nd

 

Michaela and I thought we’d visit the Pub at the 4K mark, The Clog and Billycock at Pleasington*. We saw Steve Littler running the course again and I felt guilty I hadn’t done the same…….till I had a taste of Thwaites Double Century Celebration ale. The first record we heard was: ‘When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman’ and Michaela said they are playing your song! We like a little joke now and then! Michaela and I were first in and thought we were in for a quiet drink – but the place soon filled up with runners and I was asked to help a disabled man in and nearly put my back out! Peter and Julie Cruse pulled up and joined us. I was now on coffee, (again).

 

Photos will eventually be on:-

 

www.myeventphoto.co.uk

www.runningpix.co.uk (Steve Bateson)

 

See other ratings on:-

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/ratingsall.asp?sp=&v=1&ugn=375&en=34657

 

* On searching the internet for a photo of the Pub, I discovered the previous landlady had been growing her own drugs and her defence was: “I was getting ripped off by dealers”!!!

 

Written by; Martin Bates

Submitted: 12th February 2007

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor