August 8, 2019
Thank you to Sally-Anne for the following write up
Bright and early Sunday 4th August I made my way to Charnwood College to take part in the first Garendon Gallop 10k. Collected my number from the race HQ and had some time to chill before the start. Warm up session commenced before we made our way to the start, which was on the football fields of the college. We did a 1km lap of the football fields before making our way into the woods and muddy trail. Here I was in my element. Soft ground underfoot and downhill what more could you ask for. Really promising for a good race. Not long after 2km it was mixed terrain from gravel, tarmac and farmers fields. Over the M1 what a view and lovely breeze to help with the humidity. And then the next lot of football style fields was the terrain. The hill, not bad comfortable thrown inbetween was the ground of a school smooth tarmac. Back onto their sports field downhill woohoo love this turn the corner and well ….what goes down must certainly go up and up and up not long after turned the corner and all the cross country training paid off flew back down the hill until my pace was halted by a couple of ladies in front. Sadly no way of passing. Through the Garendon estate and the view was absolutely stunning. Pity you can only access it with permission. A herd of cattle as your spectators and a few marshals along they way. Out the estate and back on the road that led us out. Turned right lovely muddy path and then the penny dropped. The absolutely lovely downhill of the start has now become the mountain of the finish. Without a doubt pretence of a proper runner engaged for a photo opportunity. Back onto the original start football field for my glory sprint finish. Highly recommend this course for all who love a mixed terrain.
Sally-Anne completed this run in 86:34