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It Needed to be said
These were the words Kevin sent me to accompany his wonderful write-up below and yes he’s 100% correct, it did need saying and many thanks to him for being the one to say it.
THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS…
Week commencing 11 August
Report – Kevin Zwolinski
What a week for the club! We were spoiled by 2 races in 3 days.
The Wednesday Shakespeare races are always fun, this one was fabulous and I do believe rather special. Middle of August many folk are away on holidays but we still had a good entry and a route fully marshalled by club members
I arrived at The Fox at Loxley (aka The Chidgey Arms) in good time on Wednesday evening, the place was full of yellow vests and a lively atmosphere abounded in the pub garden on a beautiful summers evening.
What is not to like?
Easy parking, a quick natter and then we made our way as a 2Km warm-up down to the start where Richard and Anne Dobedoe’s farm was to provide a simply fantastic route. It was a warm evening but not uncomfortably so, with a light and most welcome breeze.
The first batch went off at 7 as usual and I did not know what to expect other than not having to worry about traffic. We started in the shade up the drive towards the farm and then left alongside the woodland but a few minutes later we were in the most beautiful woodland setting on a clearly marked out route cut specially for us (thank you Richard) and a further bonus of two such laps.
The open sections across the fields benefited from the breeze and apart from the climb back into Loxley village, the route was fairly flat. The road section back to the village was well worth the effort to get back to the pub and enjoy a pint of beer and a well-presented meal in a community run pub. Love all of that!
This evening was really most enjoyable. I have been off running for a short while but coming back to this was utter joy. Bring it on again next year please – such a well organised run and thank you!
And there is more….
Having been pleased with how I felt on my Loxley run I decided to capitalise and run the Summer 6 two days later in Wilmcote.
Friday afternoon was busy setting out the course signage etc with the most enjoyable company of Susan Hunt – always good value! We finished that at 6pm to catch a breath before the run at 7pm. Much is already out there on the well-attended event with some 300+ entered from all the WRRL clubs out there, this is clearly a favourite event.
The start location at Mary Arden’s farm in Wilmcote has a real buzz and the lollipop shape route has a hilly out and back stem but the main loop is mostly flat and a nice countryside route.
It was so good to be out there on a run with so many club members cheering you on at the marshal points, that really does make a difference. Thank you Selby for the unexpected water that was much appreciated, make it chilled next time?
This whole event just looked so efficient and I can see why it is the envy of other clubs. But think about it. Events don’t run by themselves we had two successful events in three days organised and marshalled by club members, OK with a bit of encouragement sometimes needed. But I reflect on last week as a true representation of Stratford Athletic Club and its capability to do great things.
Well done to all involved in running both events!
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