NWFPAC ‘Michael Page’ Championship 2023 – Race 2: Delamere Forest Runner 10k

Race 2 of the Championship was the Delamere Forest Runner 10k with 13 NWFPAC runners and another 446 runners choosing either a 5k or 10k route around the forest – the majority (384) doing the 10k. It was snowing as I left home in the hills of Cheshire but luckily slightly warmer down on the Cheshire Plain, albeit still a bit fresh. Nevertheless, Josh braved a running vest – he either doesn’t feel the cold or didn’t want any pesky running clothes weighing him down.

I was last here in September 2021 as 1 of 4 NWFPAC runners and a smaller crowd of 128 overall – in that race, Sam Vincent came 3rd overall in 42:00; in today’s money that would have earnt him 15th place. I was 15th female in 58:20 so trying to beat my 2021 self was the aim of my game.

Then we were off. I saw Adrian and Dave C shoot off from the starting line. Then a slower start further at the back, as the crowd had to be channelled slowly but surely between the barriers to the start line. And now for the exciting race commentary, but I didn’t see anyone, well just the fox, the owl and the mouse from the Gruffalo. And a lady running laps in the wrong direction. But the forest trail was beautiful, with only the incessant squawking of ducks and geese to ruin the peace as the trail looped around the picturesque Blakemere Moss.

I had a personal battle with a random female runner who stormed past me up every hill (must do some hill sprints sometime) but then I easily overtook her on the downs (those few extra pounds finally coming in handy). I was feeling hopeful that I could stay in front of her for the finish but the 800m to go sign came just before a massive hill (editor: “massive”?) so I had to watch her sail past me again as my legs and lungs struggled. Maybe I took a wrong turn but I’m sure someone said that the course was “gently undulating”. Anyway luckily there was enough of a downward stretch to the finish line, which quickly came into view, so I edged in front, finishing 9 seconds ahead of her and in 57:07 so beating my 2021 self by over a minute – hooray!

The results show a close fought contest at the front of the pack, despite Adrian and Dave C apparently having a natter for most of the race (and Adrian entertaining small children en route with his spiderman impressions) with only 24 seconds separating Adrian in 1st and Tim in 4th. Adrian and Dave C placed in the top ten overall in 9th and 10th places respectively. Strong performances from Rebekah and Nathalie earnt them 16 points (13th female) and 15 points (15th female) respectively. Please see below for the full results – well done to everyone!

The goody bags were disappointing due to the lack of tasty post-run snacks, but the lovely café with its breakfast butties and cakes more than made up for it as we attended the all-important post-run debrief and warmed up with a brew 😊