Nine Croft Ambrey runners out of a total of two hundred and fifteen finishers took part in this years Hay Hotfooters Magic Roundabout off road 10k race. Shobdon was well represented with Ashley R, Anthony Wade and myself. Martin, Tom, Frank, Clare and Rachel made up the official Crofties with Dee who hasn’t got round to sending her membership form in yet, but I’m counting her!
The weather was hot and the sun pretty relentless as there is not much shade on the top of the hill, but the veiws were stunning.
The conditions underfoot were perfect. It is mainly on grass and the sheep keep it nice and short and as it has been dry lately there was not much mud to worry about. The first mile or so of the race is downhill and I tried to pace myself to leave something for the hills which I knew were coming. There is very little level running on this race but there is nothing too steep and I was happy with the hills, passing a few who were having to walk on the uphills, with only one or two getting ahead of me again on the downhills.
Martin was our first Croft runner home, having a sprint finish for the last downhill half mile to finish in 20th place, in a time of 45.09, seconds.
Anthony was next, running well on his delicate knees to finish in 62nd place in 50.02 .
Franks running seems to improve with every race he runs lately. He told me that he is a long way off his personal best but he looked to be on fine form to me when I sas him pulling ahead in the distance. Final position 73rd. 51.23
I was the next Croftie home. 91st in 53.40, which was 1 min 20 quicker than my time two years previously so I was happy with that. I also enjoyed it more than the last few races I have run in which I have found hard going.
Ashley struggled in the heat and finished in 111 in a time of 55.21.
Clare was happy with her race, having to pull out on Wednesday following breathing problems due to the high pollen count, the clear hill air was much better for her and she was able to keep running to finish 118th in 55.55.
Dee, only having run a few races is running well, finishing 140th in 58.37. Come on Dee, get that entry form in!
I have decided that Tom is officially amazing. He ran on Saturday at Darrens Dash and then again the following morning. Is there no stopping him? 146th in 58.55.
Unfortunately Rachel didn’t fare so well. She said at the start of the race that she got cramp on Wednesday and on finishing the race today said that again she was suffering form about two miles in. However a look over from the paramedics advised her that it may well be something more serious and she may be off running for a while. Having said that she still finished in a strong time (172nd, 63.31) and I am sure she will be running again soon.
As always the Hay Hotfooters put on a fantastic spread of cakes at the end and there were lots of prizes including quite a few spot prizes, but unfortunately none for us. Maybe next year.
Dee Cowhig and I set out for the Magic Roundabout on a glorious morning last Sunday, armed with hot weather gear. The view from the top was stunning, it could almost have been Switzerland. The mountains seemed close enough to touch and the swans had cygnets on the lake.
Martin was 20th and Anthony 49th in a male field of 138 with Frank in 57th, Ashley 88th and Tom 106th. The ladies were led in by Sam H, storming in at 18th out of a ladies field of 77. Clare was 27th and Dee 38th, all three in the top half of the field which is most impressive.
Dee broke a record, but it was cake related (5, incase you’re wondering!) I broke a muscle but the Doc agrees with the Paramedic that my Achillies is OK, so that’s good news.
Sam has done a much more comprehensive report, but this is a lovely race in good weather, with a stunning setting, friendly people and excellent facilities (especially for a mountainside!) Everyone loved the burnt- orange coloured T-shirts this year – really different.
Dee’s verdict was that it was a really enjoyable race with the worst bit being all the hills and the best bit? Cake!