The course itself was properly technical and run over two circuits. The first time round everything was new, the second time you knew what was coming – not entirely sure which was kinder.
The defining feature was a zig-zagging climb up the hill, crossing a couple of small streams before opening out onto a welcome stretch at the top where you could kick on; all while watching those ahead of you stream past in the opposite direction. Then it was time to start the descent. On the first lap the ground was firm and fast underfoot, but by the second it had softened noticeably, turning slippy in places and demanding a bit more care.
Perhaps a little too much confidence crept in on lap two. Taking one corner a touch too tight, I managed a brief tumble. No damage done beyond a muddy kit and a timely reminder of the particular joys of cross country. I’m still not fully convinced by a fellow Hotfooter’s insistence that “mud is your friend”.
One of the real highlights of the day was the marshalling. Whistles, bells and what I can only describe as clackers (are they a thing?) provided constant encouragement. And if your feet did disappear from under you, they were immediately there checking “are you OK?”
The race was run on open public land, which gave it a slightly different feel. We were sharing the hills with dog walkers and Sunday morning amblers, many of whom seemed faintly bemused as waves of runners descended on what had probably been expected to be a quiet stroll. There were a few curious looks but also plenty of encouragement, at times making it feel closer to a road race than a traditional XC fixture.
Walking back from the finish to the refreshments, a couple of us admitted to still carrying the effects of Christmas and New Year over-indulgence. This felt like exactly the jolt that was needed to get things back on track. Naturally, after-race cake was still considered entirely acceptable.
From a club perspective, it was a mixed picture. We managed to put out a men’s team, but were one woman short of a full women’s team. Winter colds and injuries have taken their toll, which feels fairly typical at this stage of the season. Hopefully we’ll be back at full strength for the final race at Rotherwas.
A final word of thanks to our hosts, the Malvern Buzzards Running Club, and to Malvern College for the use of their facilities. Great organisation, outstanding marshalling and a cracking course made this penultimate race in the series exactly what winter cross country should be.