Bramhall Parkrun 5k – Race Report
It was a lovely sunny winter’s morning as we congregated near the start the first race in the inaugural NW Finance Professionals Athletic Championship. Eleven of the Championship’s entrants were available and injury free and met up near the start line.
Once introductions had been made and the first timers’ race talk had been attended, we made our way to the start line. Well, I say the start line, but regular runners obviously knew the routine and had already lined up along the narrow path so we had to make do with being about 20 or so rows back. The whistle, I think it was, went for the start and we were off!
I say off, but the narrow course meant that for the first mile or so there was a lot of ducking and weaving, short sharp bursts of acceleration, as runners of differing speeds worked themselves out into positions that were commensurate with their pace. The race settled down during the second and third miles, with runners able to overtake when needed without having to resort to the banking or slippery mud on either side to do so. Consequently times for those miles fell considerably when compared to the start. Rob Holgate really got into his running at that point and flew off into the distance.
Towards the end, Rich had recovered his position after dropping his iPod early in the race and gave me a friendly tap on the shoulder as he effortlessly moved past. Crossing the line, I was pleased it was over – far too short and quick for my liking, but good to get the first race done and some points on the board!
What I discovered on finishing though was that Steven Henderson had not only beat the rest of us, but had won the whole race in a cracking time of 17 minutes 48 seconds! No wonder I hadn’t seen him all race! Fantastic run Steven and you’re obviously the target for us in coming races!
The final results were as follows:
1. Steven Henderson 17:48
2. Wesley Mort 20:27
3. Rob Holgate 20:52
4. Rich Cole 21:10
5. Dave Simmons 21:24
6. Matt Widdall 21:31
7. Andrew Bourne 21:53
8. Alan Budenberg 23:21
9. David James 24:18
10. Lee Reeves 24:27
11. Geoff Blackwell-Frier 25:18
We’re missing a few from the post-race photo, but will endeavour to get everyone on it at the next race!
Overall, I enjoyed the course, nicely undulating and challenging, and the weather was good. Things to remember should I run it again though would be to ensure that we lined up for the start early to ensure that we were near the front. Thanks to all the organisers and marshals too!
If you wish to add your thoughts or recount your experience, please send them to me and we’ll add it to the website.
Finally, just a quick well done and thank you to all who made this first race. I look forward to seeing hopefully more of us at the Championship’s second race on Sunday 9th March, the Roddlesworth Roller multi terrain 9k – free cake and brew at the finish apparently!