Wrekin Wrecker 2009
08/12/2009
The 7th running of this race took place recently and the rain was pouring down as almost 170 runners gathered for the race which was organised by Newport and District Running Club. The rain eased off a little as the race started and Steve Cale from Shrewsbury took an early lead with a small group chasing along not too far behind. The earlier rain had left the screes quite slippery and several runners descended on their bottoms before running round the base of the Wrekin to the infamous 'Goaty', which went straight up one of the steepest parts of the hill to the summit, slowing even the fittest of racers. A long winding descent through the trees almost to the base, followed by a long drag all the way back to the summit spread the field out considerably. Then there was a sharp descent off the top and some tree hugging for those without suitable footwear or confidence followed by another short climb and drop over Little Hill before running the last mile along the base and the switchbacks to the finish and a bottle of Wrekin Wrecker beer on crossing the line. Steve Cale held onto his lead all the way to the end of this 8 mile 2400ft ascent fell race, crossing the line in 59m 30s. Ian Grindley of Wolverhampton was 2nd in 65m 13s with Paul Shackleton from Clayton le Moors taking 3rd in 68m 24s. Newport based Matt Clewes of Mercia Fell Runners also did well to be 4th in 68m 42s. Not bad for someone who was celebrating his 50th birthday. Representing Newport, Gary Postins was 17th in 76m 02s with Maurice Green 22nd in 77m 23s. John Lewis kept up a good pace to be 28th in 78m 43s and Helen Skelton showed her strength on the hills to come in 36th in 81m 15s and take the 2nd lady spot. Nick Cooper pushed on to be 43rd in 83m 16s and David Rose acquired some hill experience gaining 78th place in 90m 12s. Sean Mooney was 127th in 100m 26s and Ben Roper was 131st in 101m 32s with Kathryn Roper completing the line up in 152nd place in 116m 00s.
