Sunday's clear weather conditions were a welcome sight for the race organisers of this years Christmas Cracker Race, the event staged by Staffs Moorlands Athletic Club now in it's 23rd year saw entries top the 300 mark for the second year in succession, proving that this race is a hugely popular fixture for runners from all over the UK.
The field of just over 320 runners set off from Tittesworth Reservoir for the 8-mile testing race taking in the Roaches and was made up of a large number of serious fell & club runners; plus a significant number of runners wearing fancy dress costumes that seem to get more elaborate year on year.
The race was won by last years champion Stuart Bond of Tommy Fell Stars running club in a time of 50:21 (Stuart was also 1st runner to the Roaches Trig Point at the highest part of the course to claim the Mike Bishop ` King Of The Mountain' Trophy) also for the second year in succession.
2nd runner home was Malcolm Fowler of Wilmslow AC in a time of 50:53 (Malcolm was also the 1st veteran runner home). Steve Bazell for City of Stoke AC was 3rd in a time of 51:30.
Gareth Briggs of Staffs Moorlands AC proved his competence to run on any type of terrain by powering home to take fourth spot in a time of 52:03. Also having a good run for the home club was Paul Davis taking the 1st veteran 45 prize in a time of 55:21.
Staffs Moorlands men's team took the 1st place prize consisting: Gareth Briggs, Paul Davis, Jason Burgess, Chris Meir.
Well done to Allan Bourne of Staffs Moorlands AC who took the veteran over-70 prize and also well done to Robin Britton winning the male V55 prize.
The ladies race saw a terrific performance for race newcomer Gemma Steel from Heritage Harriers winning in a great time of 58:10, second was the in- form Cheadle runner Ruth Watchorn-Rice in a time of 58:44. (Ruth was also the first female veteran runner). Third place female was Sarah Harris of Macclesfield Harriers in a time of 59:18
The ladies team prize went to Wilmslow AC consisting: Kate Sutton, Amanda Bradbury, Catriana Marshall.
The fancy dress prizes donated in memory of ex international 'Rocket' Ron Lucas from Cheadle were won by: 1st team `Hippies' from Stone Master Marathoners with Staffs Moorlands AC taking runners up spot dressed as Cinderella characters.
The individual 1st place fancy dress trophy went to Belinda Riley dressed as the `Cracker Clown' 2nd was Simon Enderby as ¬ Saber crew tiger' 3rd Ben Sealy as `Braveheart' ,with 4th going to Alan Lewis as `Fairy.'
A donation from race proceeds will be made to two local charities in the new year: Staffs County Air Ambulance & Buxton Mountain Rescue. Both organisations have representatives who turn up and assist on the day. BMR sent a total of 15 members to be deployed out on the Roaches providing marshalling and firs response cover.
The Race Director would like to personally thank: Staffordshire Special Constabulary who marshalled road intersections; 2nd Leek Scouts for providing free hot drinks at the finish area; St John & Raynet who provided first aid cover. Also all the staff at Tittesworth Reservoir for supporting the race and including it in their annual events calendar.
Quotes
" This years race was a huge success and we have had some great feedback from
runners and spectators both on the day and on running club web sites. The fancy
dress element keeps growing and clubs and individuals are coming up with some
amazing costumes and the high number of fancy dress competitors gives the race
an almost carnival atmosphere. ."
"The race is unique in that those runners wanting a serious race challenge or
those wishing to finish the year by dressing up and enjoying the fun element of
racing for a change are both equally at home in the 'Cracker'. "Tittesworth is
the perfect setting and although it's tough running up onto the ridge, the view
off the top of the Roaches is one of the best in Staffordshire."
Thanks &
Regards,
Dave Owen
(Race Director)
Results from the 2007 cracker can be viewed here
If anyone can help by filling in any of the spaces e-mail
micktherunner AT btinternet.com
