Racing Round Up – w.e 29th Oct’ – Wakefield XC, Lockton Limping, Snowdonia Marathon

It might look like grass but it’s probably green mud.

Five and half laps totalled 5.6 miles of mud and slop. It truly covered a wide range of mud.

Mass start of all the men set us on some firm mud. I dare say flat for 300 metres, then we get to the first hill which is still alright for now but it looks muddy. A real pretty tree line that is changing to the Autumn colours which I love.

A wee climb where Ben, Neil, Fiona and Emily are standing and cheering, often with threats of water pistols. It flattens out and into the trees for a tight turn on some mud, another shorter stretch with sand bunker features made up of mud. Then another short climb to the top, I like this bit as it was firmish mud throughout.

Into the trees with some bricks in the ground, what are running on? This isn’t mud.

Down hill which is very quick, lots of slippery mud here. Fair bit of skidding and sliding here. Into the trees again and opens up into a large grassy area (don’t be fooled, this is mud) with some large stone steps, it feels like a Roman amphitheatre. Are we the beasts or gladiators being cheered? No one seemed to know when I asked on the 4th lap.

We loop round through the same tree line as before and we discover a new type of mud. Its watery sloppy mud, stuff that flings everywhere. Still don’t know what line you should take on this. Swing to the left and that’s a lap done.

Couple of memorable moments during this race that made it for me. Will being a silly billy and stopping about 20 metres before the finish line and needed (well he got it anyway) a strong pat on the back and shouting at to get moving. Quite rightly, Will got a fair bit of stick for this.

Nearly tripping over the race leader so I could high five the little lad Reiley. Not too concerned as it was soft mud at that stage and he shouldn’t be running so fast.

Young Reiley being an absolutely top lad and for the encouragement throughout.

My favourite XC course so far.