So I travelled up the road to have a dirty run in the annual Gaddesby Gallop, I’d like to do more X country but they tend to be on a Saturday which is a bit awkward for me but I was given the green light for this with strict instructions to meet the other half for lunch before half 12. I did the run got home had a shower and was in the pub in town by quarter past 12 where 5 mins later my lunch arrived, perfect.
Anyway, the Gallop is a 5.2 mile off road race with a dew pond, a drainage pipe and Stream crossing as well as stiles and gates to contend with. And a christmas hat to wear if you want. A field of 120 gathered in quite decent conditions on the day and I wasn’t sure how my new bright yellow inov 8 would perform in the mud so I took it steadyish to start and as my confidence grew and started to get a feel for it I worked my way through the field catching people all the way round feeling good.
I finished in 10th position in 38min 2 secs, other Striders running were Christie Jones one of our new recruits who got round in 51 min 27 in 69th place and just behind was Steve Dewick in 52.10 in 74th. But run of the day must go to another Strider , I didn’t know who he was (or that he was a Stilton Strider) until I saw the results but in 5th place , in 36 min 23 secs was Owen Blair, who is a junior. Amazing run, I spoke to him and his dad briefly after congratulating him on his run, he was only a little lad, very impressive.
I really enjoyed it, great event, bring on more mud.
[Darren]