Locke Park 20

Redcar, Sunday, March 15, 2015

Graeme Walton

I guess Wrekenton XC the day before isn’t the greatest preparation for a 20 mile race but my intention was just to run it at a comfortable pace… I’d read Rachel Terry’s report from last year and had spoken to other Striders who had recommended the race, in previous years I’d gone across to Lancashire to run the Trimpell 20 but I fancied something more local this time around.

The course is used for the Redcar parkrun I believe, which is simply a one mile lap around Locke Park. So 3 laps for the parkrun and 20 laps for this race! The thought of laps hadn’t put me off, lots of track sessions in recent months had gotten me used to them! On arrival with my cheering squad (Katy and Heidi) we bumped into The Fords who were also running and the lovely Louise Barrow and Maddie who had very kindly come along for Strider support.

Before long we were off in nice conditions, cool with a gentle breeze. The laps consisted of a few twists and turns, 2 bridges crossing the lake and some stretches where you could pick your pace up if needed. I ran a lap with Caroline Teasdale from Crook AFC who was looking very comfortable as was her husband Rob who lapped me twice during the race! You’re never on your own due to the nature of the race because you’re always either passing or being passed. It was nice to exchange a few cheery hellos with The Fords, Katy and Heidi along the way.

As always my pace was ever so slightly a bit to quick but hey I felt good so I decided to follow the Jon Ayres school of negative splits and I managed to push on a little in the 2nd half. I finished in around 2:24 and gladly accepted a very snazzy medal!

A special mention to some of the best marshals I have come across, they were constantly cheery offering support throughout which is no easy task bearing in mind they see each runner 20 times! Don’t be put off by the laps folks, this is a fantastic, well organised run.

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