Percy Pud 10k (Sheffield)

[Pollard]

Percy Pud Race Report

I've had to wait long time to run this race, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, apart from the Pantomime Camel that is, but more of him later! The plan was to aim for 52-30 or there abouts which meant kilometres in 5-15 which I felt should have been attainable if I kept up the concentration. Today I was going to kick some 'buts'. Today I was going for a top 700 finish!

The weather was perfect this morning, after yesterdays wind and rain it was a pleasant surprise. I still get excited about being part of an event like this with so many like minded people.

The course runs its way along the Loxley Valley and follows the road around the Damflask Reservoir to Bradfield and the turnaround at the Plough Inn, which is tempting for a swift half but not on this occasion. The route returns the same way with the bonus of downhill section to the finish. It really is a lovely neck of the woods.

The excitement built as we were ushered along to the start and after a short pause we were off, I didn't hear the gun go being so near the back, but remembered to start my watch as I crossed the line. There was a bit of congestion at the start and probably started too near the back and ended up weaving about for the first K. Its amazing to see this ribbon of runners extending into the distance. I felt good today.

I slowly started to pick off a few runners, only 800 ...after the first couple of K's I was getting anxious about starting too fast, but I felt good so went with it. My concentration was abruptly broken by a couple of runners in a Pantomime Camel costume who were on the return leg, about 2k in front of me....they were flying, how the guy at the back could see where he was going beggars belief.

I was able to keep the pace up for most of the race which I was pleased about, and managed the customary ridiculous sprint for the line at the end, if anyone there knew me, apologies. It must look embarrassing. I managed to get home in 50-24 missing out on a PB by 45 seconds, I was well pleased, If I could shift some of this lard around my body who knows! ( I might wait until I've enjoyed the Xmas pud tho.)

1. 4.58 eek!
2. 4.54 eeeeeeek!
3. 4.51
4. 5.21
5. 4.56
6. 4.40
7. 4.59
8. 6.07 Boooo!
9. 5.23
10. 4.10 (50.24)

Chris.