The day dawned grey and overcast and distinctly cool, in keeping with the tough nature of this event, but no rain, yet. Nick and Trish Penistan both ran their hearts out in the 6.1 miles of Stage 1 to Whittlesey, finishing in creditable positions of 29th and 66th in times of 44.25 and 48.52. This is a relatively straightforward less muddy stage by the River Nene.

The indestructible Steve Campion tackled the longest Stage 2 to March of 11.6miles, a doddle compared to the weekly series of marathon events he has recently been setting pbs in. Although this Stage has the easiest least muddy terrain, perhaps last weeks tough Leicester marathon took it’s toll as although he passed 6 runners, 8 more runners past him and he dropped 2 places to leave Team A in 31st place overall, with a time of 1.23.29, 37th place. Maybe the first bout of light rain made it a bit hard for him. Will Collins sauntered along in his relaxed style in 1.33.06, 74th for the Stage, but did well to not drop any team places.

The men replace the boys for the last 2 stages where the going gets really tough. Some of the marshalling left a little to be desired on this ambitious and isolated event, and some runners were unlucky to detour an extra mile on this stage. Some sections are identified with no more than one tiny arrow or a piece of tape, and are difficult to follow when the field gets spread out. However both Wellington runners managed to stay on the 10.3 mile course. Armed with sturdy fell shoes, Paul Woodhouse turned in one of the best performances to finish quicker than expected in 1.18.43, 33rd place, and held position in the team race. Anne Gilroy dropped only 4 places to leave Team B in 70th position, finishing in 1.28.42, 75th for the Stage, and made up time on the long twisty road section into the finish at Welney.

In previous years this low lying area sometimes forces the final Stage to Ely to be cancelled due to flooding, and is sometimes run instead back to March. However the 10.4 mile leg started easy enough with a long straight road section, and even though there was a persistent drizzle, the cool temperature was well suited to running. Overcoming the usual shinsplints, Anthony Gerundini gradually picked up 7 places, and was equipped with the secret weapon of waterproof socks. But the black peat field trails turned into a horrendous brown clay section for a very slippy last 2 miles, and was disappointed to drop back a place with unsuited road shoes. The last road mile through Ely was completed with a strong finish involving the obligatory flying leap over the low stone wall just before the finish line, to leave Team A 25th overall, with a personal time of 1.10.35, 27th for the Stage. Following her PB last week at the Leicester 1/2M, possibly the best performance of the day was by Jo Campion, who picked up 7 places to lift Team B to 63rd overall, out of 106 teams. She finished strongly in 1.21.33, and 63rd personally on the Stage, but only gingerly managed a hop over the wall. Luckily for the Team Wellington runners, they avoided the worst rain, which really started to come down quite hard onto the tailenders.

The overall Team placings of 25th and 63rd were achieved despite no single runner from each team finishing higher than 27th or 63rd respectively in a stage (or lower than 37th and 75th). Because both teams were well balanced and competed consistently, it demonstrates how overall places can be made up. For the modest £5 entry fee per runner, this is a fantastic team event with a great atmosphere, and everyone is looking forward to next year.