Christmas Cracker
Report by Anita Oldham
On the weekend of Dec 7/8th, the IGUN team hosted a series of Christmas Cracker races along the Leeds/Liverpool canal.
Three Ripon Runners attended, all opting for the half marathon distance.
The races take place on the canal path – flat, straight and generally very easy underfoot, as long as you don’t slip on the cobbles and end up in the canal itself. The half marathon set off in one direction for 3 miles before turning back on itself, passing the start/finish line and running out 3 1/2 in the other direction, then finally turning for the last 3 1\2 back to the finish. These races are very laid back, yet well organised. The day itself was chilly, incessantly windy no matter which direction you were running, but generally bright – perfect running conditions, to coin a phrase!
True to form, Nicola and I talked incessantly for the first 7 miles, then sang a combination of Beatles songs and Christmas carols for 3 miles, before just gritting our teeth, reserving our breath and counting down the final few miles.
All efforts were rewarded with a satisfyingly chunky medal, a bottle of beer and a selection box upon crossing the finish line. To our great joy, there was also a hot dog stand and plates and plates of cake too!
Our first IGUN event, but definitely not our last!
On Saturday, Pam Munro ran the half in 2:18.
On Sunday, Nicola Shillam ran it in 2:11 and almost hand in hand,
Anita Oldham ran it in 2:10