Buxton AC athletes were out in force last weekend, and not all in racing mode. At the hugely popular Litton Christmas Cracker fell race, a massive 24 Buxton athletes gave up their chance to run so that 238 runners could take part, and they brought along another eight family members to boot. Races such as this couldn’t take place without these willing volunteers, and Race Directors Sue & Nigel Jeff gave their grateful thanks to all the helpers at the event.
The 7.5 mile race has almost 1200 feet of climbing, and covers some of the most beautiful of the White Peak dales around the iconic Peak District village of Litton. Taking in Millers and Cressbrook Dales, there’s a sneaky right turn leading to a steep climb up to Wardlow Hay Cop trig point, a precarious descent back to the dale finishing with a final climb up Tansley Dale before heading back to the welcome sight of the village.
Jack Agnew of Mercia Fell Runners held off his nearest rival by just 6 seconds to storm home in 54 minutes exactly, while the talented Sally Fawcett of Dark Peak took first female home position in an astonishing 63.58, and 21st overall in the race. Ruth Gowers of Buxton AC reclaimed her 1st Local Lady prize in a very respectable time of 85.06, gaining her the Red Lion trophy as well, a fine day out for Ruth. Samantha Willis was just 4 seconds shy of 1st FV40 placing, with an impressive 74.01 finishing time, giving her 2nd in the category. A superb time of 67.10 gave David Reeves his 37th placing, while Mark Thorogood finished well in 75.22 (78th). Pete Bailey was 88th overall in 77.01, Heather Fryer-Winder 167th in 90.01, Angela Bent 216th in 101.47, and Kate Phillips, on marathon-weary legs, came home in 108.24 (229th).
At the Bakewell Parkrun last Saturday, and from a field of almost 140 runners, thirteen came from Buxton AC, and they were led home by one of our most talented Juniors, Lucy Bednall, a brilliant 8th overall, 2nd female home, 1st Junior and, to add the icing on her cake, in a personal best time of 19 minutes and 31 seconds – a fine result. Pete Bailey clearly wasn’t saving his energy for the Litton Christmas Cracker when he ran in a personal best time of 21.55 (19th overall). 21st overall was Joanne Bednall in 22.03, closely followed by team-mate Katie Rolfe in 22nd in 22.15. The multi-talented Alan Talbot was next home in 33rd (23.20), with Ian Drayton 40th in 23.59. The ever-improving Junior Matthew Rolfe ran a stonking 25.49 (49th). A personal best time for Junior Florence Brown gave her 1st JW10 placing in 27.07, 59th. Mum Kate was hot on her heels in 60th just one second behind, while Charlie Narejko finished in 62nd place in 27.24, Elizabeth Nocton 68th in 27.59, Michael Abrahams (another PB!) Finished in 28.29, 64th and Teresa MacMillan 33.07, 112th.
A special mention must go to Nichola Sargeant who recently completed the Cheddleton 10K Christmas Pudding Run. In her words “the special reason I want to share is that I used to dream of running this race but never thought I’d be sporty enough – it was for people who were real athletes!. Well I did run it and I have the pudding to prove it! My time was 1.04.02 and is important to me, but more importantly is that I was representing Buxton AC and I’m so grateful for the wonderful friends I’ve met through running and achieved since joining.” Wonderful sentiments!
It’s the popular Pavilion Gardens 5K this coming Saturday. This free event takes place at 9am from Broad Walk, and is open to all abilities.