Canal 10k - 2017 Championship race 6
The Wharf pub in Castlefield was the start point for the Manchester Road Runners 10k. I arrived unsure I had turned up on the right day as there were plenty of people enjoying post work drinks but I then spotted a group in running shoes and my fears were allayed.
With registration out of the way, there was a quick course briefing (keep left & can we change our name to something easier to pronounce) before the obligatory NWFPAC photo. Charlie Batho attracted an extra member in the form of a bee which tried to sit on his face whilst the photos were taken.
With that issue resolved, our photo huddle became the start line and we were off. I was telling myself to get into a good rhythm as the elites sped off into the distance taking in the sights of Hotel Football, Old Trafford and Cornbrook metro station.
The course was nice and flat with the occasional bridge and cobbled section to break up the monotony. The halfway point at Gorse Hill Marina, provided a desperately-needed water station as the effects of the harsh Manchester sun took hold before the turn around to head back home.
On the return to the Wharf, we were greeted by Matt the organiser in photographer mode. More importantly there was a couple of boxes of cookies to dive into. As I’m someone with a major sweet tooth, that made the 10k more than worth it.
Congratulations to Steven who won the race and well done to everyone who survived the Saharan heat.
In terms of the round results, the top three were Steven Henderson (37:34), Byron Edwards (38:13) and Charlie Batho (38:59) with 12 individuals taking part. For the individual championship, this means Steven Henderson is in the lead with 76 points from 4 races, John Williams lies second with 67 from 5 events and Ben Bradley is third (43 points from 5 races). When looking at the team prize, EY Trailblazers are living up to their name with 144 points from 10 races, Flying Kuits second with 64 points from 6 races and Deloitte’s Tax Tigers are third with 61 points from 7 races.