Marsden 10 Mile Challenge 2012 Results
I’d heard about this race but was under the impression that it was a road race so had written it off. After Matthew mentioned it at work I found the route on one of the running forums and thought it was worth further investigation. Billed as 80% trail and 20% road it’s an interesting circular route with a fair bit of climb all in the first 6 miles. As it’s on my home turf I thought I’d give it a try.
- route on google maps
- Distance: 10.25 miles
- Climb: 1250 feet
After a week of wind and rain I was happy to see the weather had settled on the day of the race – it had even warmed up a bit, not bad for June! After registering for the race at Marsden Conservative Club I hung around for a while talking to the organisers – a friendly bunch from the Colne Valley Lions. I then bumped into Dominic. He’d done the race in previous years in the excellent time of 1 hour 20 mins. I thought if I could just keep him in sight I would be doing OK. It wasn’t long before we were gathered at the start line at Wessen Court and after a short speech by the Mayor we were off.
Immediately the route turned left onto Fall Lane before passing Marsden Sports Hall and turning onto Carrs Road. The first climb (about 450 feet over 1 mile) started as we turned onto Meltham Road. I found my uphill rhythm quickly, managed to stay with Dom and passed several people before turning onto the bridleway – the first off road section. As the bridleway continued its climb towards Shooters Nab and the terrain got rougher we were able to pass some more people who I thought must be more used to the roads.
Reaching the shooting club we joined another 2 runners who we were stay with for most of the race. The pace quickened on the tarmac track that loops around Deer Hill reservoir where I struggled to keep up. As we hit rough ground again the 2 new runners noticeably slowed and we were able to take advantage.
We managed a good pace as the path weaved its way through Deer Hill Bents and Legards Slack. We skilfully avoided confrontation with the Highland Cattle and was surprised (but really shouldn’t have been) to see Andrew (Lizzy) Lister up there doing a sterling job (with many others) making sure everyone stayed safe on the moors.
I had been looking forward to the slog up Wessenden Head Road but when I got there I never really got into my stride. I suspect, having turned down a drink at the start line and the first check point that I was beginning to dehydrate. Dom began to pull away and the bloke behind seemed to hang on my shoulder for ages. I thought of speeding up to shake him off but decided to let him go knowing that I could catch him up again on the rougher terrain and downhill sections of the Wessenden Valley.
At the end of the road section I turned down more water in order to save time. At the bottom of the incline that marks the start of the Wessenden Valley I’d caught up with the fella who had passed me on the road. I was tiring and unable to keep up with him on the flat sections though I did manage to catch him by flying down the hill sections like a maniac. Anticipating the long flat section after the lodge I gave up the chase. This was the right choice. I was now able to settle down, enjoy the run and appreciate the scenery.
Rounding the corner to the finish it was lovely to see so many people cheering us home. I heard someone shout my name. Seeing David Wilkins with his camera I posed for a photo before crossing the finish line. There was a wonderful warm atmosphere at the finish with people sitting around enjoying the occasion and cheering the runners home before retiring to the Conservative Club for refreshments and post race chat. A friendly, well organised and enjoyable event which I’m looking forward to doing again next year.
Blimey Steve, how did you remember all that? Were you taking notes on the way?
[…] My first local race, it pretty much passes my house and features a pretty brutal 1250 foot climb in the first 6 miles followed by 4 miles of great downhill trail. It was tough, I knew it would be as I run these trails the other way to work but running them at race pace was truly hard work. […]
[…] My first local race, it pretty much passes my house and features a pretty brutal 1250 foot climb in the first 6 miles followed by 4 miles of great downhill trail. It was tough, I knew it would be as I run these trails the other way to work but running them at race pace was truly hard work. […]
[…] Marsden 10 miler Aim: Run sub 1:20 and/or top 25 (ran 1:28:29 / 42nd place) […]
[…] My first local race, it pretty much passes my house and features a pretty brutal 1250 foot climb in the first 6 miles followed by 4 miles of great downhill trail. It was tough, I knew it would be as I run these trails the other way to work but running them at race pace was truly hard work. […]