Buxton AC athletes proved they were a force to be reckoned with at Cloud 9 fell race at the weekend. Held out of Congleton, this scenic and challenging off-road race takes in the 1125 feet Bosley Cloud, returning via the ancient Bridestones, with plenty of undulations on the way.

Currently enjoying the most regal of “purple patches” is Amy Clark who, despite protestations about hating fell running, managed to claim the dazzling first female home overall position. Clubmate Debbie Hope triumphed with a first female Vet 45 placing, and with a further “first”, Jason Burgess (3^rd), Jason Brunnock (5^th) and Jake Fearn (6^th) were victorious in their 1^st team placing.   Creditable performances from Daniel Latham (15^th in 66.23), Jason Bennett (22^nd in 67.04), Richard Bouglas (36^th in 69.25), Pete Bailey (128^th in 82.53), Samantha Willis (138^th in 84.00) and Sue Jeff in 238^th, 103.49. 259 runners took part.

Several other ‘firsts’ transpired down at Ashbourne, when two of the Club’s Target 5K graduates took part in their first 10K race. Jennie Light and Julie Bettly were rightly pleased with their 1.06.35 and 1.07.33 finishing times at the 10K trail run along the beautiful Tissington Trail. Clubmates Paul Wardman, Fran Ross and Kathryn Dobson took on the 10 mile route along the Trail, and returned with cracking results – 1.13.18 (22^nd), 1.22.41 (65^th) and 1.36.16 (156^th) respectively, and from a field of 477.

Terrific Target 5K’ers

The Cheadle Spring 5 mile road race is described as undulating which, in the running world, is a euphemism for “hilly”, so Ben Lights 4^th placing in a speedy time of 28.41 is one to be proud of. Equally impressive results came from Jon Sewell (10^th in 31.10), Emma Wentworth (57^th in 38.41) and Tracy Gregory (105^th in a PB time of 44.29). Some 150 runners took part.

Bling & Bobble Hats!

Another inspirational ‘first’ was Kate & Stefan Ledin’s debut outing at the ultra distance of a staggering 50 miles at the weekend. The route of the Chester 50 mile Ultra fuses the River Dee with the North Cheshire Way and the Sandstone Trail. From a field of 210 runners, Kate’s finishing time of 12.07.35 and 147^th placing is a clear demonstration of excellent performances yet to come, while husband Stefan’s time of 12.13.01 and 148^th position is equally notable.

Still at the ultras, Bev Golden & Rachel Dowle undertook the Millennium Way Ultramarathon distance of 41 miles, following old train lines and waterways for almost the entire route, so virtually all trail and canal path, with a measly 300 feet of climbing overall, a tough test of mental stamina to keep ploughing out mile after mile of flat running. Both finished in 9 hours and 50 minutes.

The popular free Pavilion Gardens 5K returns on Saturday 9^th March, starting on Broad Walk at 9am, and takes in 3 laps of the Gardens. All abilities welcome, children under 10 to be accompanied by an adult. For more information, please see buxtonac.org.uk.

From Wednesday 6 March, the Club will meet at the earlier time of 6.30 (6.25 to set off at 6.30) instead of 7pm, from outside the Swimming Pool. This Wednesday will see the return of the Club’s social night, meeting after the run at the Alison Park Hotel from 7.30 pm onwards for chip butties and chatter.