Booth Decorators Summer League Carsington Water
The picturesque Carsington Water, near Ashbourne, was the venue for the 4th race in the Booth Decorators summer league. The weather was more reminiscent of an autumnal evening than that one might associate with early July, but despite the inclement weather, spirits among the LERC contingent were not dampened, as a small but hardy bunch of runners turned out for the club. With the Heritage Series in full swing, the turnout was always likely to be low, and for a good reason, but those that did run were "treated" to muddy and wet conditions underfoot and a course that was full of twists and turns and, more importantly, inclines and descents. Indeed, it felt as though there weren't any flat sections on the entire 5 mile out and back route.
The start took place on a narrow path under trees that were dripping water and it was incredible that 205 runners managed to squeeze into such a confined space. There was much jostling for position and, not surprisingly, most runners had to be content with a slow and steady start while the everyone settled into their running.
I was first home for LERC was in 6th (29:48), while Sarah Harris was next to finish in 11th overall (30:39), which meant, not surprisingly, that she was first woman. Rob Fox and Ian Chant were next back and both made the top 20, in 18th and 19th respectively, while Paul Burchell (73rd), John Hay (84th), the returning Phil Abbott (98th) and Mark Hudson (99th) all made the top 100 and completed the scoring 7 with strong runs. Phil Walters (111th), Rachel Argent (181st) and Pete Fowles (182nd) all answered the club's emergency call to field a team and can also be pleased with their performances on a tough course in murky conditions.
The men's team finished in 7th place on the night and are now 6th overall, while the women were 6th and are placed 8th in the league, a position matched by the combined team. The next race in the series is on July 31st at Shipley Cricket Club.
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