On a warm Wednesday night a field of around 70 runners assembled to race at Blackstone Edge, just outside Littleborough. Organised by Kev Shand this race has deep history with runners such as Ian Holmes, Kenny Stuart, Gary Devine, Danny Hope and Colin Donnelly (Course record holder) amongst the winners. Last year, after a great race against Danny Hope, I managed to add my name to the list and went back this year hoping to defend my title.
After a good warm up, I felt pretty confident I could run well. My legs felt pretty good and conditions under foot were good. I jogged down to the start and took my position on the start line. The race set off and took it on straight away. There was a good field out with Tim Ellis, Alex Whittem and five time winner Danny Hope all toeing the line. I thought if I go out reasonably hard and try to upset their rhythm It should hopefully benefit me, by making them race differently. Up the first climb, which goes half way up the old roman road, I had a small advantage with Tim in close pursuit. We, took a sharp right and descended though a really boggy field. I took a tumble but managed to steady myself and hold my slender lead. By the time we had reached the bottom, Tim, Alex and Danny had closed the gap to within 7 seconds, so I knew I had to work hard on the climb up to the trig point.
As the climb started I was still leading but my gap had been cut to nothing. Half way up Alex attacked and I tried to respond but couldn't. Danny followed soon after and then Tim. I was hanging on at the back. As we reached the summit, there was probably a 7 second gap inbetween each of us. After you reach the summit you take a left and run along the top for about 600m before taking another left back down into the valley. The gap increased steadily along the top and on the descent, with Danny taking over the lead. Once you've descended, you take a right turn and climb the boggy field which you ran down at the start. From here you retrace your steps to the finish. Not a lot happened on this last section. The gaps stayed roughly the same, as did the positions.
I was reasonably happy with my performances, after the last month I've been struggling in races. Disappointed not to retain the trophy, but I lost to three stronger men. As for the race, it is probably my favourite. A classic, with great heritage and deserves more runners than it gets.
After a good warm up, I felt pretty confident I could run well. My legs felt pretty good and conditions under foot were good. I jogged down to the start and took my position on the start line. The race set off and took it on straight away. There was a good field out with Tim Ellis, Alex Whittem and five time winner Danny Hope all toeing the line. I thought if I go out reasonably hard and try to upset their rhythm It should hopefully benefit me, by making them race differently. Up the first climb, which goes half way up the old roman road, I had a small advantage with Tim in close pursuit. We, took a sharp right and descended though a really boggy field. I took a tumble but managed to steady myself and hold my slender lead. By the time we had reached the bottom, Tim, Alex and Danny had closed the gap to within 7 seconds, so I knew I had to work hard on the climb up to the trig point.
As the climb started I was still leading but my gap had been cut to nothing. Half way up Alex attacked and I tried to respond but couldn't. Danny followed soon after and then Tim. I was hanging on at the back. As we reached the summit, there was probably a 7 second gap inbetween each of us. After you reach the summit you take a left and run along the top for about 600m before taking another left back down into the valley. The gap increased steadily along the top and on the descent, with Danny taking over the lead. Once you've descended, you take a right turn and climb the boggy field which you ran down at the start. From here you retrace your steps to the finish. Not a lot happened on this last section. The gaps stayed roughly the same, as did the positions.
I was reasonably happy with my performances, after the last month I've been struggling in races. Disappointed not to retain the trophy, but I lost to three stronger men. As for the race, it is probably my favourite. A classic, with great heritage and deserves more runners than it gets.