Maiden Newton Running Club: Parrett Trail Relay 2008

Race Report - Leg 1 by Dave Webb

As proud members of the ‘Cheese’ team, Jackie and I were running the first and last legs. In fact, we could be seen as the Cheese sandwich.

The new Maiden Newton Runners multi-team approach to relays seemed like a great idea to me until 6.10 am on Saturday, when I dragged myself out of bed with a sore throat. So much for the weekend lie-in till gone 7.00. I had to get myself to Bridgwater for 8.00 to meet up with the Englands, and then on to a secret coastal location for the start of the race. The secret location might have stayed a secret if Phil hadn’t spotted a car load of Yeovil runners for us to follow.

Before the start Phil agreed that we weren’t planning to run competitively, just to get round the course. We chatted to Fred Fox, one of the 7 Yeovil runners, and as he changed into his race top I noticed he had put plasters over his nipples; clearly a runner in a different league of seriousness, I thought to myself. But once we were off and running, Phil seemed intent initially on keeping close to Fred. I hared along behind Phil, with no time to take in the gorgeous estuary views. After about a mile we caught up with Fred, had a bit of chat, and soon saw him easing away again in front of us. But there was no time to relax; Phil had spotted a Crewkerne runner ahead, Richard Blackmore, and was determined not to be beaten by him. Once more I thought about Phil’s idea of not being competitive, as we upped the pace to get past Richard. Maybe it was the early start, or the half-marathon last weekend, but I found the whole thing a bit of a struggle.

The problem we now had was that, with no one in sight in front of us, there was no one for us to follow. This was the 3rd time Phil had run this leg, and he had recced part of it again recently. So we should have been OK. But there were a few occasions when we entered a field and wondered where we should be heading, each time with Richard closing on us. Eventually he fell behind, and we got to the finish together, though Phil had one last trick up his sleeve, lurking on my shoulder and dashing past me just before the line.

Leg Six by Jackie Webb

In a reckless wine-fuelled moment a few meetings ago, Amanda and I casually signed ourselves up for a leg of the Parrett trail relay. At the time neither of us had run more than 10k (plus a bit if it’s in Maiden Newton!) but it’s funny how confident you feel after a couple of cinzanos. Dave suggested it would be a good idea for us to do leg six, as he knew the route. He failed to mention, that it is billed as the hardest and hilliest leg. Something we only discovered at the point of no return.

On the afternoon of the relay, the October temperatures soared as we made our way nervously to the start. Our nerves were not calmed by the sight of Paul Rose at the starting line poised as if to start the 100 metre sprint. Funnily enough we didn’t see him again; perhaps he took a wrong turn.

Although our aim was always just to complete the distance, we did feel slightly demoralised at the sight of the other runners dashing off into the distance. We managed not to get lost, largely thanks to Amanda’s sense of direction and the reassuring sight of Dave at strategic points along the route shouting encouragement and proffering drinks. We were also inspired to put a spurt on through North Perrot after catching sight of fellow team members cheering us on. I’d already agreed with Dave that I wouldn’t answer my phone if it rang as you can guarantee it would be someone for a chat, but Dave did ring (helpfully scaring a herd of bullocks) because he’d heard two women had taken a wrong turn. Oh he of such little faith.

In fact we managed to keep to the route throughout, which included various fields, with and without animals, lots of mud, deceptively deep cow muck, a river, tunnel under a road, railway crossing and, oh yes, that huge hill at the end. Amanda maintains that she had nightmares about that hill, but actually when we got that far and could barely heave ourselves over the gates, we had gone past caring. We got to the top, half running, half walking, to see a woman leaning on the last gate shouting “you’re nearly there” with a lovely smile. I just wanted to shout back, “open the f***ing gate then”, but I’m far too polite. We managed to put a bit of energy into the finish so that we didn’t look quite as knackered as we felt. Amanda has said several times “I’m never doing that leg again” and right now I have to agree. We were both really glad to have turned out for MNR and proud that we exceeded our longest distance, over difficult terrain, but can we have an easier leg next time please?

More photographs courtesy of Phil:

Eagerly awaiting Jackie and Amanda to pass through North Perrott aka having a beer at the Manor Arms

Late replacement, Steve Mottershead, finds out early on in Leg 3 just what he has let himself in for!

Looking good - Amanda and Jackie pass the beer swilling hecklers at North Perrott

Another glorious October day for the Parrett Trail Relay and this year Maiden Newton Running Club rose to the occasion with not one but two teams on the start line. Not that there weren't some last minute hiccups in the shape of injuries, post operative tenderness and unexplained absences in Colchester....but it all came together on the day and everyone made it to their respective starts. Although someone did cut it a bit fine!

A big thank you to Steve Mottershead, Ines Braun and Tom Parsons who all saved the day by acting as last minute replacements. It was great to see some different club faces in the teams - the two Charlies, Jackie and Amanda. And of course the Parret Trail stalwarts, Dave, Phil, Martin, Di and Ian.

The results are up on the Crewkerne website:

PTR Results 2008

Okay, so we didn't win it, but we had a lot of fun along the way.........................