Race number 5 in the club’s Summer championship took the form of a challenging, mixed terrain course. Organised by Friends of Fountains & Grewelthorpe School PTA, the race had an entry limit of only 500 runners. This 10 kilometre trail race has a 1 lap undulating course. It is billed as a friendly event with supportive marshals complete with pre and post race music and a welcoming finishing loop at the school and lived up to it’s reputation. Great for runners of all abilities and starting in the village of Grantley near Ripon in North Yorkshire, today’s event was run in near perfect running conditions, a chilly start to the day turned into an overcast day with occasional drizzle to keep runners cool. An undulating, scenic panorama unfolds in front of every runner as they take to the quiet country roads, off road trails and scenic moorland within Nidderdale. Encountering ‘The Puddle’ – translated to ‘mud bath’ halfway through! Just two Eccleshill Road runners fancied a crack at this one flying the blue and whites onh behalf of the club and earning themselves vital points on the championship table. First up to the finish up the ‘Hill of Pain’ for ERR was Garry Ellison in 54:00 followed by Julie Steele. Finishers were rewarded with a choice of a wooden or a metal medal, a goodie bag containing various treats and a famous Voakes pork pie or vegan sausage roll!! Making every hill worth the effort!
