More Mud adds to Jolly Holly Jog Merriment
What an achievement. After so many setbacks it was decided to hold the re-run of JHJ wholly on the Hellwath field without use of any sports club facility. It was all made possible by using Muddy Boots newly acquired marquee and one from Pateley Bridge, courtesy of Stan Appleton.
The tent erecting rehearsal took place on the Saturday when a large team of helpers worked on the myriad poles, brackets, bolts and other parts of a successful marquee. After 3 hours work the tent was finally erected on my driveway, everything in place. Careful disassembly and colour coding of all parts meant that on Race Day the marquee was up in under an hour.
Sunday 24th January was a warm 13 degrees with no wind or rain so ideal conditions for an outdoor event. The transport set off at 7.30am (still dark) loaded down with all equipment needed for a successful run. However we had not accounted for the mud, glorious mud and still more mud. Vehicles become bogged down, the Portaloo trailer could not enter Hellwath, catering tents and cookers all had to be reloaded onto a 4 X 4. Fortune looked favourably upon us once more as “contacts” were used to gain us access to the Choir School hard standing and to open up a less fraught access to the site.
By 11.00 am in spite of all of the above we were ready for the Start. 550 runners set out on a wonderful off-road 10k. Judged by the muddy legs and back sides it was obvious that competitors had enjoyed themselves!
Without such a positive response from all Ripon Runners, such a hugely successful race would not have been possible.
All results in reports. Pictures available here.
CJB 25 – 01 – 2016