Vale Royal AC Runners
A Running Club based in Northwich and Winsford.
Fairy Freckled Cow Race 2008
Four Weedalls Wonders headed off into Wales to tackle the formidable Fairy Freckled Cow Race. The 11km hilly trail run round Llyn Alwen comprises a pleasing mix of undulating forest and lakeside trails as well as an excursion over some moorland to find a decent hill. After parking several miles away from the start, the team of Tom Annable, Marcus Crompton, Mike Harrington and Paul Clutterbuck rushed back to the car from the signing on expedition in order to get changed. After changing in a fairly heavy rain shower they eagerly set off to the start - although there followed several return visits to the car as Paul remembered that he had forgotten something - shoes, watch, number, vest etc..........
After a relatively cautious start, Tom chased down the leaders and moved up from 6th at half distance to 4th by the finish. Still unable to catch Mike Robbins from Wrexham AC (he tried several times during the XC season), Tom was very pleased to finish in 42:19 - and 1st MV40 - winning a case of beer for his troubles. Next home, and not far behind, was Mike Harrington who finished in 43:31 for 9th place from the 109 finishers. Mike again finished questioning why he seems to end up racing in the hills - yet maintaining that he enjoys them while muttering his complaints!! Marcus was next man in the strong Vale Royal squad and secured a top 20 finish with 46:23 for 19th place. Marcus had set off saying it was a training race and enjoyed the run, finishing in typically quick fashion and destroying a few rivals on the hills in the second half. Having remembered his shoes, watch, number and vest, the shortless 
Paul Clutterbuck finished in 64th place in just over 56 minutes. Despite flatly refusing to run during the warm up or warm down - Paul seemed to enjoy running during the race and was happy with his excellent performance and his continued improvement.
Paul Clutterbuck finished in 64th place in just over 56 minutes. Despite flatly refusing to run during the warm up or warm down - Paul seemed to enjoy running during the race and was happy with his excellent performance and his continued improvement.A very enjoyable day out for all involved and a recommended "fun" race for next year. The only real incident of the day was the surprise attack on the crowd by one of the lady prize winners - she tripped and ran toward the crowd (well Tom and Marcus) with her umbrella leading the charge - although narrowly missing them she left the Weedalls Wonders counting their blessings.
Oh and what's the race name all about? God knows - but the pink cow t-shirt was a worthy momento and has been proudly worn by us all ever since.
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Many thanks to Bryan Dale for allowing us to use his photos of runners in action throughout the site. Be sure to visit his racephotos website for more pictures!
