Kettleshulme   7th June 2000
6 miles   850ft climb

The millennium version of this six mile race led to reversing the direction of the course ...   to the way it used to be run.   Confused ?  So was I,  but this being my first attempt, I remained unconcerned at the discussion between the regulars as to what the implications were.  Having said that,  I could see the hill we had to run up at the start, and it looked like a bit of a challenge.

There were a few Glossopdale golden oldies there to add a bit of spice, together with a sprinkling of newer, fast improving members, keen to make their mark.   An unrelenting torrential downpour before the start served as a reminder that midsummer was fast approaching.

The rain eased as the race got underway and the hill at the start proved to be offer the challenge it promised.  However,  the course proved to be generally fast,  as tracks take us though Bowstone Gate into Lyme Park,  then out again to the Moorside Hotel and then over the moor the hotel sits on the side of.   There was no hope of taking a breather without the risk of sacrificing places to those in close pursuit.   The 'eyeballing' came to a bit of an abrupt end around the five mile point, where a steep road hill was waiting  for the unwary.   A bit of a sadistic end section led us away from the village down to cross the river before climbing back up to the finish.

All in all, a smashing little race (if you like pain !) and one to do again.

Frank Fielding   16th June 2000

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