NWFPAC ‘Michael Page’ Championship 2025 – Race 4: Yarrow River Bluebell 10k

I began writing this race report prior to the official results being published.  However, considering only three NWFPACers turned up...the order and points were not in any doubt.  It also meant an easy afternoons admin for Dave, I’m sure earning back some prime vedge patch time on what was a glorious Sunday.  [Dave:  the runner beans are coming on particularly well!]

The Yarrow Valley Bluebell 10km had been marketed primarily by two unique selling points...firstly the blue bells being beautifully in bloom and secondly two crossings of the Yarrow River.  However the effects of global warming were apparent due to the distinct lack of bluebells...and then a cohort of 30 or so runners managed to take a wrong turn and completely bypass the two river crossings!  We heard one bloke complain at the finish he'd actually ran 11 km.  To note all three NWFPACers managed to complete the official route validating our championship points (we promise).

This was meant to be an easy jog round for Dave and me as we both comeback from injury…Adrian was also complaining pre race of a tight calf (more shortly as to how that affected him!).  That went out the window with Dave breaking the pact as he pelted off in typical fashion leading me to inevitably try and keep up...whilst Adrian took his place in the leading pack – tight calf???

The pace settled down as the twists turns and climbs began.  The course was undulating with lots of technical terrain to navigate.  Dave and I played yo-yo, exchanging places as we climbed and tumbled our way round.

By mile 4, Dave had pulled away slightly, although he was still in sight and there was still hope.  My lack of mileage over the last 3 or 4 weeks and Dave’s experience over technical terrain began to show however and by the time we got to the first river crossing Dave was away and I'd admittedly thrown in the towel.

Each crossing was like playing Russian roulette with the ankles plunging and trudging through the murky water...the subsequent few minutes after each crossing felt like you'd taken half the river away with you rendering the Goretex trail shoes useless!

With Dave out of sight and hardly a soul behind me to push me on (as the poorly navigated cohort took the alternative route), all motivation to give this one a strong finish had gone.

With the weight of the Yarrow River still in my shoes I jogged it in to the finish to be greeted by our sorry party of 2, with Dave pleased he'd won our battle.  Do I blame the dodgy hip or give him his flowers.  Like a champion I congratulated him, but like a true runner I made sure I at least mentioned the hip in passing.  Adrian meanwhile had finished well before us, albeit that “tight calf” meant that he had to settle for only 4th place overall…if only that calf had been ok.

We finished with a well deserved 'full fat' coke at the flaming grill pub to celebrate our 20 (Aid) 19 (Dave) and 18 (me) points in what might be the lowest attended NWFPAC Championship Race of all time (I'll let Dave ratify that if so).  Unfortunately this race was my suggestion having gone to high school a few hundred metres up the road...I’m not sure this one will make any future NWFPAC Championship schedules but it’s a lovely course and the three of us enjoyed it nonetheless!