Chernobyl 10K

Good stuff :- a fast, flattish course on mostly tarmac surfaced, traffic free tracks, lots of space on the park and ride only 5 minutes walk from the start (just as well as no ride available).

Bad stuff :- from a malodorous pub with unsavoury locals, downing pints of lager at about 10:45 a.m, instant coffee in plastic cups for £1.25 (£0.50 at Garstang), faulty lock on the only cubicle in the men's toilet that resulted in two ladies (I knew you always went in pairs) bursting in on me, when they thought the coast was clear!

Just SN and me from the wfdbwgua squad with Big Little Brother Swift putting in a guest appearance. BLB well inside the hour, which had been a target only a few months ago, in 58:01 (352nd), but slightly miffed because he hadn't seen the finish in time to muster the sprint that would have seen off the two ladies with whom he had been to-ing and fro-ing for most of the race. SN 291st in 53:33, having thoroughly enjoyed the race, but slightly disappointed not to have crept nearer the 50 minute mark that seems to have emerged recently as a target for several of us. I was pleased with my 232nd place in 51:19, just 13 seconds a mile outside the elusive 50.

Race won by Jon Fletcher of Border Harriers in 33:24, first lady (19th overall) was Philippa Maddams of Keswick AC in 38:30. Phillipa is presumably the wife of Russell Maddams, also Keswick AC  (formerly of Horwich RMI) who placed second in 33:41.

422 finished.

And yes, YJ we know you want to know, first MV70 was Mr (!) Robson of Manchester Tri in 53:29, but John, you've got to be in it to win it!

Note to SN :- the red vest and the purple T shirt clashed somewhat, perhaps a white T shirt next time.