Trotters 5 - Race Report

Trotters 5 - Race Report

by John Williams

I arrived at the Trotters 5 with some trepidation, not only was it 5 miles rather than 5 km but Steven Henderson had also dropped me a note to say he couldn’t turn up and wanted a high points finish or else he was putting me on a performance improvement plan…..

The race itself was over two laps and was through some pretty scenic countryside. As tradition dictates in NWFPAC events, Dave Simmons left the starting gun like a rocket and was soon tearing off up the first hill (see below). The course entry form described the course as “undulating” which translated to about 115m of climbing (and descent to be fair) and the first mile included around a 50 metre climb which started to thin the field out even within the first mile.

Once at the top of the first hill, the next mile or so was all downhill including some great sections through woodland (they’re always great when they’re easier on the legs) as well as through some local farmland. It was during this section that I managed to get past Dave. The lowest point of the course was just before halfway and the climb back out of the woods to the start and the subsequent climb on the first mile after going past the start again was pretty tough into a headwind – over a 60 metre climb over a 2.5km stretch. It was gritted teeth on the second point of the hill and then a case of looking over my shoulder for both Dave Simmons and Ian Riggs but thankfully I was able to keep far enough ahead – particularly given the finish line was just after the climb out of the woods for the second time.

All in all it was a great morning out and good to see all of those who joined us – looking forward to the next one now!