This years Bannerman Race used a new 2 lap 5km course in Dawsholm Park following the ups and downs of the various trails. I turned up in road shoes, which given the recent rain, was probably a mistake as the course was very muddy and slippy.
The start was downhill, so I charged off in the hope of trying to keep ahead of Scott or John, however they soon passed me, then a quick glance over my shoulder I saw Mick was next behind me. Mick was making a welcome return to the club, after almost a year out. Now I thought, “has he been doing loads of secret training and is going to fly past me at some point OR would a bit of determined effort keep him at bay?” I opted to dig in for the first lap and see where he was at the end of it. The result of this effort got me about 300m behind Scott and I could no longer see Mick, so the target was now to catch Scott, and I was kind of hoping that the marathon was still in his legs.
However, he was going well and I never managed catch him. I finished fourth which allowed me to watch the “dual” between Chris and Mick to the finish, before they decided to finish together arms aloft, a great sight. I enjoyed the course and the race.
Thanks to Craig and Chris for marking the route, Ben and Margaret for timekeeping and support from Gordon.
Full Results:
1) Craig W 22:56
2) John W 23:35
3) Scott 24:02
4) Duncan 24:31
5)= Chris H and Mick 27:52
7) James 28:05
8) Linda 28:43
9) Caroline H 29:57