Rouken Glen 10k

A smaller than normal group of Harriers turned up for the 10k. The familiar course was changed last year for a “faster, flatter course” which was so fast and flat (!) that they decided to make further changes this year to make it even more … faster and flatter. The course map was a brightly coloured affair that made us think a compass and orienteering experience might have been the order of the day. Given the Harriers almost legendary lack of directional sense (Eddie, Kenny, Billy et al) we could only hope the course was well marshalled.

There was a healthy (as in numbers) field of 366 with a mix of good club runners through to fun runners.
An inner loop of the park, followed by a wider loop and then round the pond with a short sharp climb out onto the road. Then a long downhill (ish) before another climb up to the golf course. Then the off road section at the side of the golf course and a long tough climb back out, this year thankfully only once (even faster and flatter, remember). Back onto the section outside the park and a final loop inside the park with a good last k and the “undulating” finish that most will be familiar with.

Its one of those courses that you work hard on the uphills and even harder on the downhill ! All the Harriers found it a tough run but then not everything can be fast and flat. We all agreed it was a good test. Chip times as follows : Stephen Phimister 40:28, Stuart Waugh 43:02, Martin Howell 45:45, Richard Lawton 46:48, Colin Banks 48:38.
It was won in an impressive 30:43.

Thanks to Stephen for the report and well done to the guys on fine times on a still tough course.
Alan