RACE REPORTS 2022

The Roundbush is a favourite venue of ours and we feel it is worth the 500m out and back to get to the footpaths. The road back at least gives runners a chance to shake the mud off their shoes.

50 plus runners and walkers took on the Pitch Black in Purleigh challenge with over 400 feet of climbing and descents. Howard and I had a debate about which exit of the tree roundabout you should take and we also put up tape to guide through the common. Happily nobody went too far astray in the dark. 

The Roundbush, as usual, was very welcoming and produced an excellent meal for everyone at the finish and a roaring fire. And of course excellent beer.

John Sweeney just pipped Darren Coates by three seconds to take the victory with Thomas Burman less than a minute behind in third spot. Lynn Higgs was fourth overall ahead of Shukila Jordan with Melanie Carrington, Julia Gardiner and Vicky Presland running together for third place.

We will be back in the summer so you can see the views you missed last night.  

THE DAY AFTER THE DAY AFTER

Poor Howard went out several times in the week to try and rescue the 13 mile route, but other than adding a two mile road section he couldn’t find a way around the problem track. A byway which apparently is notoriously muddy had been covered in hard-core which Howard couldn’t even walk on. Presumably the council will run a roller over it in the future to make it fit for purpose.

However most entrants particularly those that had slipped and slithered around Ongar on Friday were more than happy to settle for the 7 mile route. Two hardy souls Paul Dellar and Melissa Dowell opted to do two laps. Chapeau. The rest of you wimps made light work of the course which was quite heavily affected by the wind. Fast out, slow back. Never heard so much whingeing about a little hill. Talking of wimps Howard and I enjoyed the warmth of the log fire in the comfort of the pub. 

We welcomed some newcomers from Trent Park Running Club who seemed to enjoy the experience. 

A nice gentle start to the new year and everyone finished before the heavens opened.