Dursley Dozen

With nothing much on in Hereford, two manly Couriers braved the icy uplands of Gloucestershire to tackle the 23rd edition of the Dursley multi-terrain 12+ miler. The course was extended this year with a longish road section cut out and replaced by woodland paths. There was still snow and ice on the course and a hard frost where the sun had not penetrated. Other stretches were muddy and woody. With over 1600 ft of climb, the event is billed as “still one of the toughest events around” but this did not prevent 420+ runners lining up at the foot of the opening lung-busting hill. Neil ran within himself, excelling, as usual, on some of the more hazardous descents to finish in a commendable 64th spot in 1.38.54, four minutes clear of Steve H in 91st [and 1st o 60 ] in 1.42.56.
The worst aspect of our pleasant day out was nothing to do with the race or even Neil having forgotten to bring his trousers, but watching Wolves in a Dursley hostelry being hammered 5-1 at home by another midlands outfit. Just pleased Pete Cawardine was nowhere about.