Mid Cheshire 5k
Mid Cheshire 5km race report.
It's fast and furious and full of athletes chasing a PB. The sun reared it's rare head and blessed the evening in a warm fuzzy glow. Juicy blackberries hung from the hedges, cows munched contentedly and a Bakers dozen graced the start line of this epic race.
I have to start with the main man Gareth Raven representing England and a sparkling 15.51 and 1st V50. And he still thinks he can go a lot faster! First ECH over the line was the evergreen Joe Hudak with a lifetime pb of 15.01 (should have dipped for the line) and proving that a honeymoon is no barrier to improvement. Next was Dorian Gray (the man who never ages) aka Gavin Browne with a lifetime PB of 15.23 even though he has entered the veteran ranks!! And the words were written on a subway wall "there is more to come".
Next came 2 fliers breaking that magical 17 barrier Liam Flaherty 16.56 and Sam Mabbott 16.57 both for the first time. Then fresh from his undercover sabbatical with MI5 came the man Lee Butler minus his fake moustache and dark glasses with a blistering return of 17.16 - another PB. After that the lean, mean, evergreen race machine finally ducks under the 18 minute barrier and 17.51 for James Hartshorne closely followed by the closely shaven, aerodynamic Callum Parkinson also sub 18 (17.55).
And now to the real meat of the race. The old geezer dreaming of beating Pinky and Perky. I lined up on their shoulder and plotted their downfall. Just hang on to them until 4km then blast it home. My plan lasted 225 metres before they both disappeared in a cloud of dust never to be seen again. Hayley Simpson storming to 19.18 her fastest for a long time and possibly her 2nd fastest ever. Just 4 seconds behind another storming run from Katie Kay and a return to form after her special preparations-a weeks all inclusive eating and drinking vast quantities. I was so sure I was going to beat her I bet her a pint of beer on the result! Following Pinky and perky was old geezer me in 20.05 (lots told me I should have dipped for the line). About a 6 minute first mile - lucky I didn't look at my watch!
Next a return to running and getting some good form back Matt Rothwell 20.41. great to see him back after such a long lay off after breaking his foot the day before the London Marathon last year (have I mentioned that before?). Luckily for me Matt had being dragged into the beer bet with me and Katie. Slowest buys the beer so that worked out well (for me) Finally another good return to running after a long lay off for Claire Finch 23.15 and part of her marathon block training for Berlin.
What an evening! What a race! Entries open for Spring race now on Nifty entries 23rd May 2025. Get entered.
Glenn Piper