This is one of those quirky midweek races which draws many club runners from around Cheshire. The novelty of this race, is that the course runs around Manchester Airport runway, one minute your running quietly along, next you have a jumbo jet a few metres above your head.
It was a perfect Thursday summers evening, sunshine, with a light breeze. I arrived in good time and entered on the day. It was evident this was a popular race for club runners, with runners from all the main clubs in Cheshire (400 in total).Two striders were represented at this run, speedy Darren Varley and myself. After a quick warm up, we gathered on a country lane for the start, and were sent on our way.
We followed quiet country lanes for the first mile, before de touring right and picking up the outer perimeter of Manchester Airport runway. The route then circumnavigated the outer perimeter of the runway, this was quite interesting as one minute you were running in serene tranquillity, the next the roaring noise of an aeroplane would shatter the peacefulness.
After about two miles of trail running, we dropped down to a long tunnel which took us under the runway, back on to the opposite side, where we were greeted with a nasty very steep hill, almost reducing us to a walk. We then had two miles of country lanes back to the finish. I managed to find a bit of speed and overtake a few runners before crossing the line in 33 mins 30 secs, I was very pleased as my time was 30 seconds quicker than I did a couple of years ago, who said you get slower with age! Darren had a great run finishing in 31 mins 28 secs.
This is a great race, well organised and is a good distance for anyone looking to move up from the 5k distance.
For more information on the race, visit the website.
Cheers Tony