Heptonstall Race - Report 19/03/17

A massive field of over 260 runners turned out on a less than perfect day at Heptonstall this morning. SRC were well represented with 7 women and 7 men starting off in the cobbled street. After a mini-service and a prayer of good luck the record field headed off into relentless rain and wind. Both 2016 Club Champions were there to try and defend their titles, Michael Gradwell having a real tussle with Kevin Jones for the Champ to finally out-leg Kev on the final brutal climb to take the 100 points. Monica Boland ran steadily again for a safe finish, but it was Alice McLean who took the 100 points having a great run. Conditions underfoot were testing to say the least resulting in Paul Taylor twisting an ankle in the bog! Charles Barlow too decided to bail out early. Sandrine Fraisse battled a late night and dodgy tummy to finish strongly with Andy Essex. Last weeks Hobble legs were in evidence for both Nicky Torr and Chambers (the former having to be rescued from a chin deep bog!), while Nicky Snook and Jill Davies again ran well (if not enjoyed ;) James Sheard came home a little dazed but well up the field. Well done all, great running in tough conditions.

Howard