Results Christmas Cracker 2018

2018 Christmas Cracker Race

Get into the running Christmas spirit...

Once again, Staffs Moorlands AC is hosting the ever-popular, superb value and atmospheric Christmas Cracker race. This year, the date is set for Sunday 16 December 2018 with a start time of 11am.

The race is approximately 8 miles long and takes in some breath-taking scenery in the beautiful Staffordshire Moorlands. Around 40% is run on country lanes with the rest being through fields and on tracks including a section along the exposed Roaches gritstone ridge some 1500 feet above sea level!

According to the reviews on Runners’ World (RW) website, 100% of past competitors would return to the race again and it has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5. Whilst this is a race, which does attract some excellent runners, the emphasis is on fun and fancy dress outfits are encouraged, even if this is a Santa hat, tinsel halo or sprig of mistletoe!!! To quote a review from “Fuzzyhead” on the RW site: “the most fun race I have had all year”.

There are prizes for various categories including fancy dress (detailed below) and every finisher receives either a pair of special edition socks or locally bottled beer.

Additionally, to be fair to the volunteers marshalling and recording results, we would ask potential entrants to ensure that they can finish comfortably within one hour and fifty minutes. Dogs are not permitted to accompany runners on the course.

In the unlikely event that the organisers deem it to be too dangerous to run over the Roaches, due to ice or heavy snow on race day, an alternative shorter course will be operated around the scenic Tittesworth Reservoir.

We try to keep running affordable to most runners which is reflected in the entry costs: £7 for Staffs Moorlands AC runners, £8 for other club affiliated athletes and £9 for unattached runners. There is a discount of £1 for runners, in each category, entering using the online facility (there is a small administration charge to cover card costs and this will close at 23.59pm on Thursday 13 December): Online Entry

Any profits from the race are shared between the local charities and organisations that have helped to stage the event (usually Staffordshire Wildlife Trust for maintaining the footpaths on the Roaches, Buxton Mountain Rescue for helping to keep runners safe on the course, and Leek Scouts for making free hot drinks for runners afterwards).

Race Details

Registration, Race Start and Finish

This takes place at Tittesworth Reservoir Visitors’ Centre, Meerbrook, near Leek, Staffordshire (postcode ST13 8SW).

Parking

Runners will need to obey whatever parking restrictions are in place at the time, which includes paying the usual visitors’ tariff.

Registration and Number Collection

Registration, sited in the Visitors’ Centre lobby, accessed by the side door, opens at 9.40am and closes at 10.45am. You can pay to enter on the day (see costs above) and, if you’ve pre-entered via the on-line route you will need to collect your number. Please do not enter Tittesworth Visitors’ Centre wearing muddy footwear or clothing at any time.

Refreshments and Toilets

There are excellent facilities provided by the Visitors’ Centre together with a wide range of reasonably-priced drinks and snacks. Please treat the facilities with respect as we rely on venues such as this and we would like to be able to stage the event again in following years. Note: there are no changing or shower facilities.

Clothing

Please be mindful of the weather conditions and dress accordingly as it can be a few degrees colder on the highest points of the course.

Safety

In addition to marshals being on the course, there will also be medical staff and Buxton Mountain Rescue personnel deployed at strategic points. A “sweeper” will also be following the last runner to ensure that everyone returns safely. Always listen and adhere to instructions from marshals – they are there for your safety and enjoyment of the race.

Finish

Please use the exit funnel and keep the finish area clear for incoming runners, who may be sprinting with eyes only for the line! After the finish, choose and collect your memento (socks or beer!) and have a hot drink with our compliments from the marked area near the finish (not in the Visitors’ Centre).

Award Presentation

This will take place at approximately 1.15pm and results will be available on our website later.

Prizes

These will be presented to: 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd male and female, and single awards in each veteran category (male and female) 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 and 65. In the event of a veteran finishing in the top three, the veteran category prize will be awarded to the next veteran individual.

The team prizes are for: First Men’s Team (four to count) and First Ladies’ Team (three to count).

The King of the Mountain trophy is awarded to the first individual to reach the Roaches trig point.

The Ron Lucas prizes are awarded by his family for fancy dress costume judged as: Best Individual: 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and Best Team and Runner-Up Team.

Quick Response (or QR code) to assist smartphone users:

Photos

http://www.racephotos.org.uk/

https://mickhall.zenfolio.com/f10293140?fbclid=IwAR25LzCqGTWtLW7Q4AVXJ6gn4WKa7agk6K7CeosJNbB6ON3Vjp8RInM24dc

Prizes

Finishers