To quote Tom Davies the Bury Ditches race is ‘a cracking little race’ and I have to agree. It is fairly local, multi-terrain – a bit of field, a bit of road, a bit of forestry track, around a hill fort, along footpaths – and a few hills which are a bit of a challenge, enough to test you but not force a walk and some fast downhills to get your breath back and enjoy the run. It comes in at just under 6 miles.
There were six Croft Ambrey runners among the 53 finishers. It was great to see Andy who was able to fit this one in around work commitments and he ran really well to finish first man home in 38.02mins. Emma continues her impressive form and seems very much at home on the Shropshire hills. She was second lady home in 47.36, only 36 seconds behind Kate Whitfield of Mercia runners, who was just that little bit quicker on the downhill finish.
I was next Croft runner home, finishing quite happily as I ran a faster time than last year- fifth lady in 52.21. I was overtaken by Gill Evans of Shropshire AC, about 3/4 of a mile from the finish – an amazing downhill run from her. I tried to pick up some tips but more downhill training needed I think.
Gary was next Croft in 56.10 to take home the MV70 prize of a couple of cakes. Tom was 45th, in 60.18 and Carol, back in her first race after her illness in the summer finished in 64.19. Great to have her back running again in a race she hadn’t done before, I think she enjoyed it enough that she will be joining me again next year.
nice report sounds fun maybe next year for me too