Three striders ventured over to Grizedale Forest for the 8th Grizedale Forest 10 mile Trail Race on what was forecast to be a very wet, windy and cold day. However, conditions couldn’t have been better, except for the wind. If we had a choice I think we would have opted for the wind although at one point I swear I was going backwards.
I would have thought that by now I would understand trail race language, when a course is described as undulating it usually means steep. The rollercoaster race seemed to be all up hill, especially for the first 10 miles and just when you thought you had climbed as far as you could, rounded the bend, up it went again. The views on top were fantastic and made up for the hard slog of getting there. There must have been some down bits but I can’t remember any of them. The finish was wonderful, a mug which was filled with hot tea or coffee and huge portion of homemade cake or flapjack, which went down well. The atmosphere was lively and the organisation superb. Despite being a tough run I could be tempted to do it again next year, if only for the flapjack. The timing of the run was perfect. As soon as we got into the car to head home the rain started. What organisation!
Maggie was first in her age group, well done Maggie. Barrie Evans was first Strider home. He seems to be making a habit of leading Striders home in the Lakes. I managed to get myself around and have a great time.
Thanks to Barry for driving, Wilf for the tea, coffee and cakes and the organisers for a great event.
Results
| Pos | Name | Club | Cat | Pos | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nick Leigh | Altrincham | M | 1 | 0:56:17 |
| 10 | Karen Bridge | Eden Runners | FV40 | 1 | 1:05:50 |
| 78 | Barrie Evans | MV60 | 1:24:32 | ||
| 91 | Jean Gillespie | FV50 | 1:27:23 | ||
| 132 | Margaret Thompson | FV60 | 1:44:00 |
142 finishers.