31st Aug 2015 – Old Dalby Hill Race

The 3rd Old Dalby Hill race held again naturally on Old Dalby day in very wet conditions, she would definitely be taking a stud today.

A small but high level field of rainproof runners, quite a few shirts from both Ivanhoe and Barrow Runners but a massive contingent of Stilton Striders! Reigning two-time champion Tim Hartley of Barrow out injured wouldn’t be able to defend his crown thus we placed our hopes on a Stilton victory after such a good week.

Race starts at 11:10 with Luke Eggleston doing his stung cat routine (!), getting the excuses in early (3rd event of the weekend, don’t like short races, wearing meagre shorts I should’ve saved for my wedding night) I more or less think that being near Fell legend Greg Pettingill is a good pacing move (who similarly did the fell race yesterday).

The fast initial dash upon tarmac for the first half mile is quickly replaced to a groan as we go off road into `moon boots` the second ploughed up field we come to. Throughout the race there are five of us interchanging positions pretty much continuously myself (Rob Beers), Greg, Matt Atterbury, Mike Bryan and Michael Atton depending on our strengths it’s a really good fight.

For me I lost it a bit coming down the steepest part in Old Dalby Woods, similarly like myself Greg mentions he isn’t the best at stiles either. I come in as 7th Strider just behind Greg and Michael which shows the quality of runners we had out today and how much strength in depth we are starting to show as a club now.

Jay Barton came 2nd overall, excellent considering it’s not his terrain at all and he raced yesterday (Coming first!), Katie Hateley 1st lady and 1st local lady, Mike Bryan 1st local male runner and some great individual running from quite a few.

Superb goodie bag courtesy of the Grange at Asfordby Hill with a very welcome and large scone in it, however the rain made short work of the paper bags they came in to which we all had a friendly dig at Houghty for! [Rob]

Full results: