RUNNING DIARIES: Clowne Roadrunners’ 1st Towpath and Trail 10km

Bright and blustery conditions met runners lining up to set off from Shireoaks on Sunday.

And it was clear from the off that this wasn’t a race for anyone aiming for a personal best.

As well as the wind, the course also had two stiles which runners negotiated twice on two laps of a 5km circuit.

Not to mention the ‘gentle’ slope to the pit tip which first time round appeared no bother for most, but wasn’t so easy at the 7km mark.

It was a great turnout on the day and I overheard plenty complimenting the scenic nature of the course with some saying it was one of the best races they’d run.

As we queued up I got talking to one runner who was back in the game after a 24 year break.

He explained to me his ‘dismal’ time on return to 10km running, still a good few minutes faster than my own personal best- but then he was ex-army.

The organisation of the race couldn’t be faulted and I’d like to thank the marshalls for their encouragement all the way round.

Red faced and concentrating on breathing I was in no fit state to shout ‘thanks’ and instead offered only an unattractive grimace to most as I ‘sped’ passed.

The Killamarsh Kestrals were out in force. Athletic and toned an army of luminous yellow ladies glided past me with ease on more than one occasion.

It reminded me of being taken to watch the Tour De France as a child. A blur of colour whipped by with a slight breeze- blink and I might have missed it.

I was also afforded the pleasure of watching Clowne Roadrunners’ own Andy Ward as he breezed across the line at a healthy 32.39.

Unfortunately for me this meant I still had another 5km to go before it would be my turn to get over the line.

But at least he was the only runner to lap me, and if you’re going to be beaten then be beaten by the best I say.

A special thanks should also go to those on finishing flapjack duty for their generosity.

A delicious home-made way to finish a thoroughly enjoyable scenic trail run.

Well done Clowne Roadrunners I’m sure many will be back for more of the same next year.

For a full list of results and pictures see this Friday’s Guardian.