A great race report from Jan Green who completed the race in 56:13, first female V70.
What a superb evening of running at Lotherton Hall on Friday 7 August! 🏃♀️🏃♂️ An 8.5km trail race in beautiful surroundings, with a wonderfully varied route that began in the impressive Hall grounds before heading into the woods and out across the surrounding farmland. The dry summer was evident in fields that have needed to be harvested far earlier than usual this year, while one of the more unusual features came on the homeward stretch, running beneath the enormous wind turbines towering above the landscape.
It was one of those lovely, relaxed summer races where the atmosphere is every bit as enjoyable as the running. A friendly field of runners, plenty of encouragement out on the course and excellent organisation made for a really good-natured evening from start to finish. The route was well put together, making great use of the estate and surrounding countryside, and the organisers even had chocolate or beer waiting for every finisher — surely motivation enough for the final push to the line! 🍫🍺 There was further success to celebrate too, with Jan picking up a category prize and very carefully making sure her well-earned bottle of wine survived the journey home! 🍷👏
There was time afterwards to linger in the grounds of Lotherton Hall, chat with other runners and enjoy the summer evening before setting off back towards Thirsk. By then dusk was beginning to fall, and on the A168 towards Boroughbridge we passed a group of around half a dozen runners making their way along the wide grass verge. There was plenty of room and they weren’t causing any problem, but with no obvious torches or reflective clothing it was a useful reminder for all of us as the evenings gradually begin to draw in. Whether racing, training or simply heading out for a few miles, a light and something bright or reflective can make such a difference to being seen. Stay visible, stay safe and keep enjoying those summer miles! 💙💛
