Following a week of rain, a frail sunshine broke the clouds as runners assembled at the Avon Riding Centre for the third Moorland Multi-terrain race on 22nd January 2012. At about 10km in length, the route is primarily off-road but includes maybe 2km of tarmac, making for a difficult footwear decision.
The race raises funds for the Avon Riding Centre, a charity dedicated to the provision of riding tuition and therapy to adults and children with all kinds of disability. It is organised by volunteers from the Bristol-based off-road running club, the Town & Country Harriers.
The course is varied and full of character. After a quick tour of the paddocks, the runners swoop down a steep, uneven slope towards a nature reserve. Athletes can easily lose sight of each other as they twist their way through the head-height forest of bleached reed stalks. The route then winds its way underneath two motorways and around the outskirts of an industrial estate, where watery ditches lie in wait alongside slippery tracks. Finally, competitors face a sharp climb across fields to a small wood, where the sprint finish can begin.
To perform well, athletes must be sure-footed, confident on mud, and have no hesitation in getting wet feet. Rob Hayes demonstrated how it should be done by taking an early lead and finishing in a time of 38:39 - over two minutes ahead of the field. This was Rob’s first race win, but judging by his strong performance, it may not be his last. Marcus Mumford took second place in a time of 41:23.
The ladies race was close-fought. Sally Johnson lost her leading position while stopping to retie a shoelace. Lou Summers seized the opportunity and, despite a hard chase, Sally was unable to catch up. Honours for first female go to Lou Summers of Chepstow Harriers, in a time of 47:09; with Sally Johnson of Nailsea RC crossing the line in 41:21.
The record number of finishers this year is evidence of the event’s growing popularity. Town and Country Harriers are delighted to have helped Avon Riding Centre continue its excellent work. Thanks go to Wessex Water for allowing access to their land, race sponsors Moti, and all the many volunteers who made it happen.
Men's results
| 1 |
Rob Hayes |
|
38.39 |
| 2 |
Marcus Mumford |
Las Vegas Institute of Sport |
41.23 |
| 3 |
Craig Berryman |
Havant AC |
42.00 |
Women's results
| 1 |
Lou Summers |
Chepstow Harriers |
47.09 |
| 2 |
Sally Johnson |
Nailsea Running Club |
47.21 |
| 3 |
Laura Croker |
Clevedon AC |
48.53 |
Click here for full results
