4th January 2015
Despite predictions of ice-age like weather, Reddish Vale was basked in crisp winter sunlight, a perfect welcome for the 268 runners who came to start 2015 off as they meant to go on by running off their festive calories. The usual thrills, spills, mud and hills were there to greet the eager participants who came from as far as Denbigh to enjoy the little-known but much-loved Hit The Trail.
The course (designed by the late Eddie Cheetham, former St Helens Rugby League player and Belle Vue Racers’ founder and Chairman) was described perfectly by first time participant Dave Taylor as “largely on the valley trail but with enough off –piste muddy stretches, twists and turns plus four short sharp hills to provide a challenge”.
First over the line (at the top of a rather long hill) was Thomas Charles of Trafford AC in 26:30, the muddy conditions preventing him from beating Andy Norman’s course record. Damian Nichols of Wilmslow RC was only seconds behind (26:57) closely followed by Andrew Lamont of Macclesfield Harriers who completed the men’s podium. Despite Trafford AC also taking fourth and fifth spots, it was Glossopdale Harriers who took the men’s team prize, the first four finishers counting.
First woman to finish was 2014’s third-place finisher Caitlin Rice of Glossopdale Harriers (31:21). Natalie Stonell (Unattached) stormed to second place in 31:57 with Kirsty Johnson, also from Glossopdale Harriers, completing the women’s podium. As in the men’s race, despite not securing a top three finish in the individual results, it was Stockport Harriers who took the women’s team prize.
Full results are available here.
(Photos: Anthony Naulty)
Love and adoration was overflowing for the course and the marshals, whose enthusiastic encouragement is one of the main attractions of this race. Charmaine Wood of Congleton Harriers emailed to say, “Support all the way round was fab! … Pretty much every marshal cheered me on like I was in their own club.” Ultra-runner, Ria Bright, who knows more than most about trail running, said, “You can’t believe such a nice trail is hidden in such an urban location.”
After a warm bath and a brew, Twitter seemed pretty happy about everything too:
We both loved @hitthetrail5 this morning. So well organised and friendly. Thank you @BelleVueRacers see you next year 😊
— Victoria (@vicfletch) January 4, 2015
First race of the year – very cold and very muddy but thoroughly enjoyable 😅 @hitthetrail5 @ Reddish… http://t.co/gcDTRKa4MD
— Ambrose (@choyster) January 4, 2015
@gormanuk @hitthetrail5 great run! Very enjoyable route, very well organised. Where can I sign up for next year? 😃
— Britta Werner (@WBritta) January 4, 2015
@hitthetrail5 first timer this morning. Great fun and will definitely be on the starting line next year. #running
— Matthew Brown (@mattbrown80) January 4, 2015
@hitthetrail5 great race again this morning! Thanks to all involved in making it hapoen.
— Stewart (@stewartwaudby) January 4, 2015
Wonderful morning's race at @hitthetrail5 Thank you.
— John Richards (@JohnnyRichards) January 4, 2015
[…] Full details of 2015’s very successful running of the popular New Year trail race can be found here. […]