Graham Wanted Socks! Second Cuerden Valley 10K Trail Race Thursday, 22nd June 2006

I was not in the mood for this race at all. Tired, after a difficult week at work, fed up with rain and wind, I just wanted to stay at home and doze the evening away. But, arranging to take Graham Vickers to the race, made me get moving and, after a bit of a moan and Graham making me laugh, as usual, I felt a bit better.

We arrived in good time, got our numbers and eyed up the raffle prizes. There was also a table covered in spot prizes which caught Graham’s eye – water bottles, caps and socks. Graham wanted socks!

George Kennedy and Steve Myerscough arrived, then Lisa Davenport and Chris Whitlock with their ‘Riverside’ group. Lisa was quite worried about the race, particularly having only done one previous 10K, but one of her friends said she would run with her. I told her a bit about the course and tried to reassure her that, although not an easy 10K, she would do it. It isn’t a course to worry about time; just try to enjoy it.

A few minutes before the start there was a massive downpour of rain. The clouds obviously hadn’t listened to the weather forecast which foretold a fine evening! But it stopped in time for the start and off we went.

I felt more confident this time and enjoyed the race. Knowing what was ahead of me, I was ready to go as fast as I could on the downhill and flat stretches, to make up the time I would lose on the uphill parts, kissing gates and all those rotten steps. In spite of all the rain, there was no m*d on the course, just a few small puddles. I played tag with a lady runner most of the way round and, although she just beat me, I was grateful to her for keeping me going. My finish time of 57:42 was 41 seconds faster than last time. Lisa and her Riverside friend finished in a respectable 1:04:43, six minutes slower than her 10K time. The wind dropped and there was no rain until we had been going for about 47 minutes when it became quite heavy but nice and cooling.

We went in for a brew and the presentations, and the one disappointment of the evening – no giant pieces of sponge cake; instead there was a selection of more modest cakes and cookies. George won a raffle prize – a meal for two at the Holiday Inn. No Wesham runners won a spot prize – bad luck Graham no socks!

Then came the race prizes. First men’s team – Wesham – Steve 39:06, George 43:24, Graham 45:51 and Chris 47:14. Their prize? Socks! Steve was also overall winner and got a T-shirt. To my astonishment I was first LV45 - I chose a rucksack. George and Graham both did faster times than the last race.

There were no problems with people going the wrong way this time. The route was more clearly marked, with both orange tape and small piles of sand on the course at regular intervals. Once again it was a very well organised event and results were available quickly.

The final race in this series will be on Thursday, 20th July. I intend to be there, so does Graham, and again recommend it to anyone as a good evening run.

Written by: Pauline Weller

Submitted: 23^rd June 2006

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Website/Magazine Editor