MWR review

With the dust settling following the Millennium Way Relay, it is good to reflect on another great event. Of course, it nearly did not happen and everyone who competed should be grateful to those who took the time to help organise the event. Like many events, it becomes more complex each year with Risk Assessment, busier roads, etc.

From a running point of view, the runs of the day were by Kevin Loundes and Darren Gray. The state of the tracks on the first two legs has deteriorated considerably since the event started and this must make the going tougher and slower.

Kevin was less than a minutes outside Keith Callister’s long standing first leg record but it must rate as least equal to Keith’s effort given the changes in underfoot conditions, that the race is now a handicapped start and the different weather conditions on the day.

With Darren posting the second fastest time on the second leg, it looks promising for the Lancashire Championships on 10th January.

I was pleased with my own effort, especially with training in December disrupted by illness. Having been out or a recce on Sunday prior the race, I was amazed at how much the ground had dried in a few days.

I have been toying with the idea of running the fell race on New Years Day. It should be a competitive field and is always an excellent event. However, I do not want to lose sight of my goal of being on the start line at Blackburn. My legs have been incredibly stiff the MWR and I could see a similar effect after the fell race.

The Lancashire Champs are only 12 days away. Despite losing John Halligan to long term injury, we should have a strong Manx Harriers team. At this stage, we can just hope that everyone in all the age groups stays fit and healthy. The weather looks like it will be cold and dry for a few more days which can only dry out the course.

I will try and post some thoughts on this event in the days leading up the Championships.