Gawsworth 10k - Race Report

Over the last few weeks, David has arranged some mountain climbing challenges, but for September it was back to the Cheshire countryside, so no hills and fairly flat…hurray!

Gawsworth is principally known for the hall, it is an idyllic spot in the Cheshire countryside and a charming venue for a run. Runners assemble in the field next to the Hall, which includes the local radio, a tea & coffee area and a WI cake stall. All very civilised.

The race has been run for the last 14 years and it was announced there was a record online attendance, plus the beautiful weather on Sunday brought more people in to register on the day. You could tell how popular the race was from the queues for the toilets, which stretched half way across the field.

And so to the race Jane, Steven and I met up near the hall and then found John already keen and eager at the start line. I think Steven was looking to stand at the front, whereas for me a little further back with the fun runners was the place to be.

The route started with some running through the lanes, then we ran along the picturesque Macclesfield canal, although at this point we had to run single file and the bloke in front of me was probably taking in a little too much of scenery. This was followed by a hike over a railway bridge and through some pretty muddy woodland, if you are still following this, by now you probably know that this was not the race for your PB, although as we discussed at the start of the race the route gave you plenty of excuses why you came in with a slower time.

The final stretch was across some more fields, last year this was the potato field, which was an interesting concept, although mercifully they had not been growing potatoes this year and you were able to run down the final stretch with some pace. The only worrying part of this race were a number of cow pats, and even more worryingly a number of runner appeared to have trod in them.

And so to the end, after a pretty hot race, the only place to go was the WI cake stall, but when we arrived…..they had sold virtually all the cakes! Disaster! Thankfully they managed to call back one of the ladies who was going round the field trying to sell the last few and we all enjoyed some fairy cakes and chocolate tiffin. I’m sure this is what Mo Farah was doing after his GNR victory as well.

Our official results were:

Men (overall positions)

1. Steven Henderson – 8th – 39:34 – 20 points

2. John Williams – 37th – 45:43 – 18 points

3. Alan Budenberg – 54th – 50:22 – 16 points

Lady (ladies’ position)

1. Jane Thomas – 10th – 48:00 – 20 points