by Sandbach Striders
on Monday 23rd February 2015
Biddulph Running Club, held there annual 'Knypersley Pool 5 Mile Race' on Sunday 22nd February. It's a trail run which follows a path around Knypersley pool reservoir, then climbs up to the top off Biddulph moor, before returning around the reservoir to the finish.
250 runners gathered on this bitterly cold Sunday morning, for the start of the race. The Mayor of Biddulph rings his bell and says a few words, and sends us on our way. After a hundred yards we had a steep incline which soon thinned the runner's out. A wet few days had made the path very muddy, and I soon found out that my road shoes weren't up to the job, struggling to get a grip on the path.
After about a mile and a half running around the lake, we then followed a steep incline to the top of Biddulph moor, this was hard work and it was a struggle to keep the momentum going. At the top we doubled back and ran across a very boggy farmers field and followed the descent back down to the lake, my feet were saturated! Another mile or so around the lake, and we were on the home straight to the finish. I crossed the line in 36 minutes 26 seconds, on tricky course this was a respectable time. Each runner was presented with a commemorative mug.
I enjoyed this race, a trail run, very well organised, great scenery and hilly, and for those who like mud, there's plenty of that!
For more information visit the website.
Tony
