As I am in the NSRRA League, I entered the Westbridge 5 some time ago. On my way there the wind was howling and the rain started to come down heavy. Typical running weather.
There was about 200 runners and as I had never ran this course before I found out the
course was fairly flat but was a bit twisty turny!!!. We set off just outside the Westbridge Leisure Centre in Stone and ran out onto the road, along the canal path and then through the grounds of Aston Hall, which was a bit like Gawsworth, then back on to the road and then the canal path. The marshals were great and shouted at us when we approached the extremely low bridges as you had to duck your head. For me I felt as if it was a club run – just going along the canal paths.
course was fairly flat but was a bit twisty turny!!!. We set off just outside the Westbridge Leisure Centre in Stone and ran out onto the road, along the canal path and then through the grounds of Aston Hall, which was a bit like Gawsworth, then back on to the road and then the canal path. The marshals were great and shouted at us when we approached the extremely low bridges as you had to duck your head. For me I felt as if it was a club run – just going along the canal paths.
As I approached the first mile marker I saw the (F) runner that I have chased in other races and soon found out his name was Vic ( I heard someone shout to him). The race was on for me, as Vic and I played cat and mouse and 3 miles I got in front of him and lo and behold there was a few (F) runners so I managed to over take a few and at the 4th mile I could hear Vic behind me. I picked up the pace and finished in 42.57. Not a pb for me but I was just glad to finish it as it was horrible windy and wet day.
The race itself was well organised – although there are no changing facilities. You received a goody bag with a banana and a bar of chocolate and a drink but the entry fee is low. I would recommend this one .
For more information, visit the website.
Liz