Buxton Carnival 4

Written by Chris Bowen.

Just over two weeks since I finished the Spine Challenger North, I found myself on the start line for the Buxton Carnival 4. “A bit short for you” said someone I know from Pennine.

Several of us had travelled by train from Whaley, meeting some Glossopdale members on the way -having a chat with them made for a sociable start to the afternoon. The train was delayed in Chapel but after a quick trot to registration to collect numbers, we made our way to the start with time to spare.

Thunderstorms were forecast but it was just drizzle that was falling as we suddenly set off down from Spring Gardens. This made for a cooler race than it might have been as it was a humid day. The long climb up St John’s Road was not as bad as I remembered and I overtook Christine H and then Moira. Ita was way in front in by this time. Moira quickly passed me again as we turned the corner and we headed downhill back towards the Pavilion gardens. A quick cut across town and we were back up for the second climb up St John’s Road. I wasn’t as quick this time and Moira stayed ahead of me. Very soon we were heading down to the finish in the Market Square.

After waiting for all Striders to finish and the usual congratulations, we headed back to registration to get our bags. We decided to have a beer before our train back and so were still there for the prize-giving. This was fortuitous as Christine H, Ita, Moira and James Rees had all won their age categories and we collected a table full of prizes! Well done to all!

PS My quads are still sore. 160 miles of the Pennine Way – not a problem but 4 miles of road is a different matter.

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