Boars Head

Always one of my favourite races and this one didn't disappoint. I know the course well because it's my regular training run so there are no surprises. It was a cool evening as the 150+ runners lined up for the familiar start on the canal bridge. Quickly underway the route takes in a wide track on the way to Lyme Park so there's always a good getaway and it's easy to fall into a steady rhythm. Splashing across the stream (a short cut)  the track was soon rising to The Cage and I was feeling OK. Around the tower and back across the Park before the first climb up to Bowstones. Now here's a dilemma. To take the slightly longer but well marked path or the rising traverse line across the heather strewn hillside? I opted for the former and it proved a good choice on this occasion as I gained vital yards on those ahead. A glorious section followed along the ridge and then turning off the track we climbed once more over fields to the top of the park adjacent to Sponds Hill. Chocks a way and it's frantic dash down towards Park More Cottage before crossing a wall stile and back into the Park proper. Still plunging downhill on mainly singletrack until Poynton Brook in the bottom. Again decision time. Climb straight up the steep bank or go around on better, but much longer paths. I chose the climb and it served me well. All that was left was the last climb to the Pepper Pot (and this was a killer, only a slight gradient but on tired legs.....) Now onto the finishing section, mainly downhill, 56.52 at the finish and it was all over for another year.