Alton 10 mile

I was amazed to find that this event finished at the same place as it started, simply because I was convinced that I’d run up far more hills than I’d run down!

Another spur of the moment local race to clock up some miles, I arrived overly early to ensure my registration was successful. Entry was no problem and my early arrival gave me a glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes of organising a race. It was impressive to see so many volunteers and race organisers darting about on another rainy Sunday morning to ensure everything was set-up for a smooth event.

Given the weather conditions, I wouldn’t have been surprised to find many runners dropping out – I was wrong. Within a very short time, the small gymnasium near the start area was full, as were the other nearby undercover areas. What was missing though were the supporters – although I can’t blame my own for wimping out due to the weather – she’s currently in Butlins, probably hung over on her hen weekend.

Ten minutes before the race, the start area filled up - with the normal keen fast runners at the front and then me and the veterans at the back! What was noticeable though, was that I was practically the only charity runner at this race.

As the rain continued and the race progressed, a mile or two in, I thought I recognised someone ahead of me. It took me a couple of miles to catch him up but when I did I was delighted to find it was Wayne a regular runner and a colleague of mine from B&Q.

Wayne made a great running partner and as well as catching up on what I’d been missing in the office, we helped each other gauge ourselves against other runners. It didn’t take us long to both realise that we faired quite badly on the down hill slops – not really a surprise to me, since I’m still growing the black toenails I acquired on the down hill slopes of my Cape Town ultra run. It is, however, something I have to persist with, as I’m beginning to realise this can really make a difference to finishing times and help prevent injury.

Wayne and I finished the race in respectable times. Afterwards I met up with a lady I’d been chatting to at the beginning of the race. She’d just completed her first 10 miler and although looked a little tired was beaming at the fact that she had completed it.

The event was topped with a great touch from the local spots shop, which was at the finishing line giving out spot £10 prizes to some of the finishers – as one of the only, if not the only, runner in a charity vest – I was fortunate enough to be awarded a prize. A great end to a great run.