Alsager 5

I have raced the Alsager 5 once before – 3 years ago when I was 5th. It’s a good race and often comes the week after the Northern Cross, so although the legs might be a bit heavy, it’s a relatively short distance, so means you can still attack it.

The night before the race this year, the weather had seemingly conspired against the race taking place. There was heavy snow in the surrounding areas and with freezing temperatures expected overnight I had spent a fair amount of time on the internet on Saturday to see if the race would even go ahead. As it was, we were given the all clear on Sunday so we (the wife and I) nervously made our way down the M6 in the fog. When we arrived, I was astonished that the race was still going on; - the course was covered in snow and although there were some clear stretches of road where car tyre tracks had cleared a path for people to run in, there were a couple of roads that were completely covered and the corners were treacherous.

At the start, I decided to abandon my normal conservative tactics and to get out quickly, in order to get into one of the clear tyre tracks and not be forced to run in the snow or get behind someone flicking back icy crystals into my path. The plan worked and I got out with the leaders. At about a mile we turned into a snow covered road and Luke Cragg and Dave Webb got a gap, which I never got back. I found myself running with Anthony Ford and Tom Lancashire was around me too. Luckily, my new Scott Race Rocker shoes were holding up really well in the conditions. I’d mentioned to Ben Riddel before the race that I turn like an oil tanker, but even in these conditions, the shoes were very responsive and I was actually pulling out some distance on Anthony in the snow.

At about 3 miles, Anthony pulled away a little and I was concerned that my first half had been over zealous and that I was about to pay a heavy price. However, I hung on and although Tom came past me at 4 miles the gap never really got that big and I kept both Anthony and Tom to a reasonable distance right until the finish. Dave Webb also seemed to come back to us a little, and by the end I was only about 10 seconds off 2nd. Cragg was an easy winner and I will be interesting to see how he progresses whilst building up to London, he is clearly in fine shape and I think it’s a good starting point for an elite marathoner to start his marathon prep in good 10k shape (which Cragg obviously is). At the finish, I was also very pleased to turn round and see that closing very fast on me was my good mate James Bailey in 6th place – Id certainly put that run down as one of James’ best for 3 or 4 years.

Although the time was poor – 25.05 – times were irrelevant on a day like today. It would be impossible to guess what the time was worth on a clear course, but the important thing that I was racing up with some very strong lads and the top 4 were no mugs, that’s for sure. I finally feel like Im turning a corner, but Ive probably said that about 4 times in the last 3 months, so hopefully there’s not a car waiting round that corner to mow me down!

One final mention should also got to my wife Anna’s run. I had been at her for some time to do a race, as she is quite a keen runner, but has never competed. At the end I ran back down the course and saw her complete her debut race in a highly creditable 38.15 for 42nd lady. I reckon there’s at least 5 minutes to come off that too, I just need to persuade her to do another one now!