Stourbridge Stagger, Sun 1st Feb. 2015.
To run a mile, or jump a stile, or eat a country pancake? This event entails all three, x 10.31 (miles), maybe as many stiles, & plenty of pancake material underfoot.
I discovered this trail race online last year, seeking an event to tie in with a trip to Halesowen to visit my good friend Len, a former harrier, who broke his neck descending the Matterhorn in 1972. Yet, supported by his wife Brenda, (with whom annually he used to tour & hostel the Highlands by tandem), he re-visited Zermatt as long as he was able, staying in the small hotel where I first met him by chance, run by the nurse & former mountain guide who were were involved in his epic rescue.
For decades, Len gave talks in Schools, prisons & particularly hospitals, to motivate others with severe disabilities. A more positive person you are unlikely to meet. He would always boast how lucky he was to break his neck in the in the most beautiful place in the world! Sadly, Brenda died last summer, & Len is the most ill-fitting care-home customer ever. He challenges all the rules, enjoys his Jura malt, & has talked all the staff into buying his biography. Sharp mind in a broken body. It’s a pain by the way that you can’t fly with pre-bought whisky
Back to the run. Cold but dry morning was ideal for running, but Baltic for the many marshalls.
Sunday am, I’d passed on the fried breakfast at the Talbot Hotel, because their Sat night food was superb but too much. Old characterful coachhouse, superb, go there.
Ok if I must talk about the run, Mary Stevens Park is a great family venue. The route does a climbing loop within the park before heading SW on mixed terrain along footpaths and around fields over a surprisingly (to me) scenic & rural & hilly landscape. The sustained troughs of deep mud weren’t so bad as last year- ankle rather than calf-deep. Helped that I had inov8’s this time, to get some grip.
A concurrent ladies only 7k event diverged after a couple of miles or so from the main race; encouraging then to realise that I wasn’t quite last runner. A short steep climb preceeds the 1/2 way point around the village called Churchill. Felt good then, an easy gentle downhill mile or so to follow.
“You’re looking good!” (Ha ha, the best one.) “This is the last hill!” “Only a mile to go!” These are the only phrases that prospective marshalls need to memorise. All total lies of course.
Finished eventually, in almost exactly the same time as last year. Missed my 2hr target but who cares. Wasn’t last, in fact this time even more folk finished behind me. Tea & biscuit didn’t last long, great pub down the road called “Labour in Vain.” No political message here!
Race memento is a hand towel. Regulars collect colours. Emerald green last year, after using which my Hulk appearance didn’t impress airport security, this time I was more Mel Gibson in Braveheart with bright blue woad. Though much better for getting dried with than a medal ribbon, it has to be said! Unfortunately running wasn’t a great call on my part healthwise, as my throat infection is now lodged deeply in the lungs. Enjoyed it though!
A great trail race, much to be recommended.
1st man Karl Welborn B’ham running & triathlon. 1. 04. 52
1st lady Jenny Latham Wakefield Dist. H & AC 1. 12. 27 17th overall.
399th Fletcher Murdoch Maryhill Harriers 2. 05. 35
425 finishers
