NWFPAC ‘Michael Page’ Championship 2024 – Race 5: Colshaw Hall 10k

When the race schedule was released earlier this year, I had quickly eyed up Colshaw Hall as a preferred entry, with it being only a stone’s throw away from my parents’ house allowing for maximum pre-race lie in on Sunday morning, whilst also enabling me to accumulate some needed ‘Brownie points’ with family.

Following my last tardiness for the start of Worden Park (which almost cost me missing the start of the race), I was somewhat more prepared and allowed plenty of time for registration and warm up.  Conditions on the morning were bright and somewhat fresh, but with some threatening rain clouds looming I was doubtful it would last.

With it only being my second race of the series and Dave, my teammate, being injured (yet again…shock!), pressure was on for me to secure a solid points score to keep us in the rankings.  However, I knew the field of NWFPAC runners were going to be fast and with the course being described as ‘super quick’ in the pre-race event details, I wasn’t hopeful.

As c. 890 runners crammed their way into the narrow single-track road starting point with an expanse of open field on either side, I opted to loiter with the 45min pacer whose high energy I hoped would impart onto me and bring me a much-needed PB.  The cramped starting line made it difficult to see any familiar faces from the NWFPAC, but from reviewing the race results its likely many were positioned several waves ahead of me anyway.

I attempted to weave in and out of the crowds for the first 1km trying to find a comfortable position and pace.  However, I spotted the live electric cattle fence on my left and quickly fell back into line as we headed down the farm road and out of the country estate.

The route was described as encompassing ‘leafy country lanes’ and promised views of the ‘iconic Lovell telescope’ at Jodrell Bank.  Whilst I can safely say the route was somewhat scenic, I completely missed any sight of the telescope which, given its size, should be pretty hard to miss.  Perhaps I was too focused on the mix of mega mansions amongst quaint village cottages.

As promised the route was flat, which my legs were grateful for, and I managed to settle into a comfortable pace.  By 7km I had successfully succeeded in holding off any overtakes and could see I was on for a PB, no sooner had my optimism picked up, I was humbled as a pram runner effortlessly cruised in front of me without breaking a sweat.  I was dubious about whether the pram was in fact motorised.  Nonetheless the last 3km were all downhill which made for a speedy finish and enabled me to secure the PB.

Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to catch up with any of the NWFPAC runners for a post-race debrief, but there were some impressive finish times and it appeared to be a close race between Tom, Charles, Byron and Mike all finishing within the same minute!  Shoutout to Tom for the PB and Steven Henderson for, yet again, securing the 20 points win!