The Cake Race

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The Cake Race Saturday 4th May 16km/10m, 518m1700ft

Eight harriers travelled to Diggle on the edge of the Peak District to compete in the third race of the Rossendale Area Fell Race Grand Prix.

This course, new to all of the Horwich boys, had some climbing but no serious climbs. A few days of dry weather had removed water from the potentially dangerous steps section of the course and it was all very runnable. The size of the field was bigger than usual, not just the Horwich boys, so a delayed start was necessary. The course turned out to be more of a trail race than fell race but it was very enjoyable. The last 2 miles into the wind was hard, but the gentle downhill helped.

First Horwich home was Alastair Murray in 5th in a time of 1.08.00. Alastair was a little disappointed as he ‘gave up’ third and fourth on the run-in. I’m sure he didn’t give them up. First home was Paul Green of Sale in 1.05.40 with Jason Williams of Calder Valley 2nd in 1.05.54 and Andy Fleet 3rd also of Calder Valley in 1.07.12.

Next Horwich home was Andy Lloyd in 20th in 1.14.48. This was a great performance from Andy, new to this race and selecting the right footwear. Having another good race Doug Fleming was next home in 32nd in 1.18.09 closely followed by Gary Chadderton in 42nd in 1.20.17. The next two Horwich guys battled nearly every step of the way. Pete Ramsdale having the best of the early exchanges and working hard up the last climb and across the top of the fell into the wind, but Colin Wood made the decent look easy as he overtook Pete and pulled away down the rocky decent road. Colin Wood who had completed the Manchester Marathon the week previous was 93rd in 1.30.22 with Peter Ramsdale 98th in 1.31.22. Next home was John Parker in 151st place and 1st Vet 70 in 1.42.37 with Gordon Stone in 165th in 1.45.01.

Now the serious part of the event – Its called the Cake Race because if you take a cake you get free entrance, otherwise its £4, and everyone who runs gets free coffee or tea and lots of cake whilst they work the results out – magic. Its true to say that we all had more than enough cake!

One for the calendar next year.