Puma Trailfox series 2008 :  Hawkshead 15k
 
Saturday 19th April, 2008 saw Judy and Garry Taylor make their way to the Lake District to take part in the Hawkshead 15k trail race.  If previous events participated in were anything to judge races on then it should be called a HILL RACE !!  As normal the calibre of international athletes were apparent as their names and what they had been succesful in was called out prior to the start.  The new Mrs Taylor, who was 4th at the last event was hoping to keep them in her sights.  As a result of injuries sustained by them both this was the first competitive race since January!!!
 
The start was at 1pm within Hawkshead market square where nerves were rattled and butterflies ruffled as a drum troup called BATALAN entertained the 600 runners gathered.  With bodies moving in time to the beat it was like a small Mexican wave as the race commenced.  The first kilometer was unconventionally on a quiet, undulating country lane before a sharp turn into the woods saw the first climb of the day.
 
The long climb rose to around the 800ft mark and to the 2k marker on rock strewn paths and then entered the forest where Claife Heights were to be found.  The tracks here rose steeply through the trees before dropping all the way back down to sea level at Sawrey (5k) where yes,  as anticipated it rose again to about 750ft before dropping again to the shores of Lake Windemere. (10k)
 

This race is billed as the toughest in the series as you have to encounter the infamous COFFIN TRAIL where the bones of competitors who failed to complete last years race were still seen strewn over the rocky path upwards as you rose over 900ft to the 11k mark.   Here you were able to see the marquee at the finish on the showground towards the other end of the village as you were on top of the first hill again.  The long finish required total concentration in order to keep steady footing.  As you struggled to keep upright the BATALAN crew were still thumping out the tunes on their drums to keep you going to the finish.
 
Through fields, several kissing gates then over dry stone walls and you found yourself in the showground where the marker showed 300m to go.  Isn’t it funny when you’re legs think that after all that you have just encountered you can manage a full sprint to the end!!
 
Mrs Taylor did herself and Carnegie Harriers proud as she finished 8th Lady and 83rd overal in a time of 1.17.30 whilst Gaz with two black toe nails, heel blister and a rubbed to bleeding left nipple finished 294th in 1.31.09.
 
In all another great weekend where the bright vests shone out like sunshine on what was a bitterly cold April day
 
Garry & Judy Taylor

More on Saturday 19th April – Hawkshead Trail Race, Lake District

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