South Manchester Parkrun - Race Report
South Manchester Parkrun - Race Report
By David Simmons
It was a nippy start for our championship this season at Platt Fields, Manchester. I arrived nice and early to claim one of the park’s parking spots – in fact I was so early I was the first car in the car park; nothing like being prepared! Being early, I got some good stretching in and had a jog around the lake, which was still frozen in places – either that or the ducks could walk on water.
Anyhow, as 9am got closer, more of us began to arrive until there was 8 of us raring to go in a field of 332; at least wanting to start before we got too cold. Being more alert this year, we managed to get near the start of the pack and then we were off. I did my usual, flying off at the start and kept up with Steven for the first 50 yards before he moved up towards the head of the field. After about 100 yards, Wesley cruised past me, appearing not to be trying. After 200 yards, I was wheezing like anything – a state I managed to maintain for the next 3 miles!
As the race went on, I was gradually passed by Paddy, then Nick and then John towards the end. I managed to stay within about 10 yards of John though and, as we entered the finished straight, I accelerated! As I began to catch him, my, by that stage, extremely loud wheezing gave me away and John heard me coming and accelerated himself to ensure that I wasn’t going to catch him. I crossed the line just outside of my 5k PB and was closely followed home by Rik and Tom.
Well done to everyone, it was good to see you down there – post race photo attached. Great result by Paddy and it looks like Steven is going to have a challenge this year! Well done to Nick on his PB too. Also nice to see EY and GT already battling it out in the team event. I look forward to seeing you at the Trotters 5 in three weeks’ time!
