2017 Championship - Race 2 - Roddlesworth Roller

Having been sent David’s Strava showing the elevation of the course from last year’s Roddlesworth Roller, I wasn’t ready for the first 2.5 miles; still having nightmare from 2016’s Two Towers Fell run! However I prepped well, with one (/far!) too many cocktails on the Saturday night!

One thing though, the weather was on our side with the sun trying to make an appearance as we headed up to the start line, just a short walk (uphill of course) from Abbey Village School. Unfortunately I didn’t see many NWFPAC runners at the start, only fellow team buddy Hannah Grant, Ben Bradbury and Tim Hayle, who was a bit of a late arrival, with no bib number in tow so had to nip back to the school to grab this.

After apprehensions of hills and mud it was an enjoyable Sunday morning event which was full of high spirits and team work from fellow participants to help one another get up those steeper hills. However, keeping it short and sweet, below are the top points I took from the Roddlesworth…..

R – Road - After c. 3 miles of mostly uphill mud tracks it was such a delight to see a smooth, tarmac road and feel back in my comfort zone (I run in Manchester- there aren’t many field/tracks around!). A lot of people seemed to be making up for the steep up hills and really getting their legs moving on the c. 1 mile stretch, giving variety to the route and a chance to try and drop that average minutes/mile.

O - Operations - The event was very smoothly ran, both pre, post and during the run. At some point I lost count of the high spirited marshals, both ensuring all runners were on course but also applauding and giving wise words of encouragement. It makes such a difference having those along the way supporting, big thanks to all those who give up their time on a weekend to help!!

L - Landscape - The course had good paths and road (see above!) going around lakes and through woods. To add a bit of glitz to the course there were a few muddy puddles to tackle and a little stream to hop skip and jump across to avoid the soggy squelching trainers! Heading out of the woods the course took us onto Tockholes Road, starting our decent back to the finish line, as we honed in on The Royal Arms pub, the marshals were directing us back into the woods, with a few more bumps and lumps before we crossed the Lower Roddlesworth Reservoirs and saw the greatly anticipated finish flag.

L - Little people - I was getting a bit worried about the number of children in racing gear and the fear of how many would outrun me. However the event also has a ‘Daffodil Doodle’, a fun run for U17, being a 2.2km section of the Roddlesworth Roller course. It was great to see so many children eager to go: well done to them!

E - Exceeding expectations - I sit here eagerly awaiting the results, but from those I have spoken to it seems everyone has achieved a good time, and better than they expected - well done J

R – Refreshments - I think it got everyone across the line a little bit quicker knowing there was tea/coffee/cakes waiting back at the school. Thank you to the local community for supplying these!