So what was expected to be a fairly quiet week turned out to be action packed with Razzer’s turning up to events in and around Cheshire.
Run Winsford
This is a fantastic multi terrain 10km race that started in 2011 and is aimed at all types of runner. The course is one that people who live in the area should be really proud of, as it’s full of great scenery and some historic landmarks that you get to see along the way.
The race starts and finishes at Winsford Rock Salt Mine, and from here I’m going to give you a small history session on the area….
The mine officially opened back in 1844, and after 1 million tonnes of rock salt was mined out it shut down in 1892. After the last mine in Northwich flooded in 1928, Winsford was re-opened and went through rapid expansion due to having to de-ice the country’s growing road network. The mine now stretches 5km East to West and 3km North to South. Sounds like a great place to organise a run if you ask me 😄
Along the way you run on the Whitegate Way, a disused railway and then to the halfway point of Vale Royal Abbey. The Abbey was founded way back in 1270 by Edward I for monks.
After leaving Vale Royal Abbey, you’re back on the trails through a small wooded area and across Vale Royal Locks. Once you’ve crossed the lock bridges, you’ll be running a fantastic stretch along the banks of the River Weaver recently resurfaced and known as the Weaver Way, which in total stretches some 40 miles, sounds like another great place for a run!
Well done to Michael Roberts who completed the mixed terrain course in a time of 51:03. A great time on a mixed track route and one that he’s becoming an expert on with all of the trail races he’s been entering lately! Great running 👍
Chester Marathon
We woke to what was a beautiful morning, a little crisp and fresh, but glorious sunshine (well actually at 6am it was dark when I was trying to get some energy inside me, consisting of porridge a banana and granola) but the sun later came up to shine on what was going to be a stunning day.
Razzer’s started making their way to Chester racecourse, where we all met and tried to calm the nerves and the thoughts about the long run that was ahead. My thoughts were more in the realms of “wouldn’t it have been better to come and watch some horses race at Chester some point in the season, instead of me racing on it” having done the Chester half marathon and now stood on it waiting for the marathon to kick off.
The team consisted of marathon machine Lee Geist, confident marathon runner Joe Cavanagh, a well trained Neil Worden, a kind of trained Pete Matzen, 2nd time marathon runner Les Johnson and Pete Naylor.
Before we knew it we were crossing the start line and competing a lap of the racecourse. We then head into the City centre passing the Town Hall, Cathedral, split level Middle Ages “Rows”, Eastgate Clock, Amphitheatre and through the Roman Walls before heading out of the City across the Old Dee Bridge.
The route then leaves Chester past the Duke of Westminster’s estate, through Pulford, before crossing the border into Wales and the villages of Lavister and Rossett. The crossing from England to Wales makes it the only international marathon in the UK, and it’s pretty cool when you’re telling people “I ran to Wales and back!”
Keeping to the rural lanes we ran a small loop before entering the historic village of Holt. Then crossing the ancient Roman bridge at Farndon to return to England and the home stretch running through Churton, Aldford and Huntington.
On re-entering the City, runners pass the River Dee along the Groves and Castle Drive before a triumphant finish back at the racecourse!
The route is largely flat with some short hills or gradual climbs which are predominantly in the second half of the course (this isn’t me saying this, it’s how it’s advertised, as I’m sure some of the runners would love to disagree with this fact!)
All Razzer’s crossed the finish line!! What an achievement. The support from the crowds was excellent as always, with a street lined start for the first few miles in Chester and then all of the villages out in force as you ran through their usually quite streets! The end was brilliant with thousands out along the river and the streets of Chester bringing you in those last few miles.
Results were:
Pete Matzen – 03:50:26 Lee Geist – 03:35:35 Les Johnson – 03:32:25
Neil Worden – 03:28:58 Joe Cavanagh – 03:14:18 Pete Naylor – 03:12:11
Parkrun
We had 3 runners at Delamere Parkrun on Saturday representing the club. Great results turning up and for giving a solid 5km performance.
Emma Raynes ran her 1st Delamere Parkrun, so has laid down her time to beat of 34:13, Zoe Dixon ran in with a 27:21 and Tim Appleton with 27:27.
One to note is that a week on Saturday, the 17th of October there is no Delamere Parkrun because of Hell Runner.