Hosted by Abbey Runners this annual event was a Covid casualty for 2020, so a welcome return for 2021 saw the event sell out of the 150 slots within just one day! Teams of three tackle the undulating multi terrain course challenging the most seasoned of runners against the clock with a short, sharp shock the 2.7 mile course throws just about every hazard at each and every runner!
Although course conditions were said to be quite good after the rain we’ve had over the last couple of days, trail shoes with a reasonable grip were recommended, however not really needed, although soft under foot in parts the course was actually quite good. The rain held off on the night with only a small shower threatening to put a damper on the run, although quite humid, conditions were actually near perfect making for a pleasant evening of racing.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions the race was individually chip timed and online entry only resulting an increase in the entry fees this year.
Team formats were Mens, Ladies, Mixed or a VET’s team, Eccleshill managed to gain entry for just four teams before the event sold out. Eccleshill Eagles; Marc Steele 18:35, Dan Jenkins 18:31 & Dan Kirkham 21:32, Eccleshill Kites; Martin Steele 24:32, Julie Steele 24:48 and Annie Kisluk 27:43, Eccleshill Hawks; Brian Perfitt 26:01, Linda Bussey 25:40 and Sarah Myers 27:49 and Eccleshill Ospreys; Ian Stow 20:05, Alex Spragg 21:42 and Charlotte Jackson 21:11.
Nibbles, as is tradition after this event, offered an opportunity to discuss performance on the day and any interesting tit bits before heading off home with an air of contentment at being back out as a team after such a long time being out of the racing scene. Well done Team ERR!
