Ravenstonedale 10K

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Phil Owen

I would normally do the Harrier League XC but this has been a long standing engagement with an overnight stay and night out in one of my favourite little places Sedbergh. My bro coming home put paid to the night out but I still headed for the race and meet up with friend and Howgill Harrier organizer mate and other friends. As those of you doing Harrier League will know it was a little wild out in the morning and as I headed south west the sky only became blacker and blacker. I was convinced I was travelling into Mordor!

By the time I had got there (after nearly being blown from the road on the A66) the storm I had seen in the distance was upon us in full rage. Ravenstonedale is tiny but beautiful in whatever weather. Folk were dashing about trying to stay dry just a bit longer while registering in the local school which was 100m away from the finish at the Black Swan pub. Soon after 1:30pm, the RD jumped on a wall to see the race off, reminding us to give our race numbers to the lass with the black bag at the end for some really decent spot prizes. A round of applause for the ‘best butcher in Sedbergh’ who had kindly sponsored the race and off we went down the undulating course (660ft ascent I’m told).

First a small loop out of the village and back in again, another bigger loop doing the same and a much bigger loop for the rest. A great course for spectators as well as they go to see the runners pass by three times! The mostly single lane little country farm roads were almost free of any cars (I think I saw two, both of whom pulled in and waited patiently) but not free from mud & ‘farm stuff’ but not to worry as this was been washed away as he roads flooded. The high dry stone walls offered a little shelter here and there but throughout the race the wind raged and the rain came down like 6 inch nails, the air electric with energy. I loved it.

By mile 5 I had caught my mate up but he pulled ahead right at the 6 mile sign and just beat me. Oh well, I’m used to that right now but the running and fitness are getting better and it’s good to have two working feet again. Free soup, a chunk of bread and great craic sheltering from the rain outside the Black Swan after and plenty of stronger stuff inside for those would wanted it. What a gem of a race this is and all the proceeds goes to the local school. Even better later I got a text to say I had won a spot prize of a meal for two at the Black Swan! Grand day out.

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