Hamsterley Forest 10K Trail – 21st April 2024
by Jill Berry
Denyse Holman & Jayne Henderson convinced me that it would be a nice idea to register to run Hamsterley 10k trail race.
The day of the race we all met up at the Nest car park looking a little nervous and not sure of what to fully expect. We met with Mark Standbridge and Jason Marr too and we all went to collect our race numbers. The run nation marshals were lovely and the event was very well organised.
Looking around at the other runners entering the race everyone appeared to look strong and experienced in trail running which made me feel a little nervous. It was a lovely surprise to see Lee Thompson and Sam Beckett had also registered in the race.
The race was about to start we gathered at the start line and listened to the run brief, basically the 1st 5km is all climbing on a positive note their is a water station at the top. No going back now the nervous/fear of what was about to happen started to fill me with dread.
The loud horn sounded and were off….I just ran like a startled deer. I would like to think I had a run plan but I didn’t. I ran fast enough to take on the climb and get the 1st 5km out the way.
Nobody was talking the only noise was the sound of gravel, just crunching gravel underfoot and a lot of lung clearing coughs and grunts.
The climb started as soon as we turned the first bend. I told myself do not look up, just count 1,2,3,4 repetitively until I get to the top. I kept pushing on convincing myself it can not get any worse and I’ll be at the top soon. At 4km Mark appeared to the right of me giving encouragement to myself and Jayne. As soon as Mark passed Jayne followed him increasing her stride and looking very strong, Mark and Jayne were away. I tried to keep them both in my sights and I pushed on.
5km Water Station HELLO
Phew I was relieved to reach the top of the first climb and was rewarded with a little cup of water for my efforts, the views were fantastic but no time to stop and admire. The dry gravel road turned right and had another slight climb for 1km.
The weather was excellent dry and sunny with a little breeze which was very nice when you were running along the top.
7km the sudden hill decent started a steep downhill section for about 1 km, I really tried to benefit from the downhill by running as fast as I could without slipping on the loose stones, I felt like I was cruising and started to enjoy the race. This cruising feeling did not last long at 8Km I looked ahead and another hill appeared, this wasn’t in the start brief, I cursed the run brief guy and put my head down focussed and thought the faster you run this the quicker you’ll reach the finish line. I started to chant 1,2,3,4 over and over again as I ran up the hill. I wasn’t expecting to hear “Come on Jill” I lifted my head to see Gerry perched at the top of the hill. I put my head down and continued pushing myself up the hill. Gerry shouted “You’re doing fab Jill, all down hill from now on”.
Seeing the 9km sign felt wonderful, nearly there now, not much longer to go. A lady ran passed me and on the back of her t-shirt it said PERSONAL TRAINER This felt like a sign from God to say there you are Jill hang on to her and she will get you to the finish line and that’s what I did I stuck to her like glue. We both turned the corner and there was the finish line I could see Lee Thompson Mr speedy 1st place himself and Sam Becket, Jayne Henderson and Mark Standbridge cheering me in.
I collected my medal and quickly went to cheer Jason and Denyse over the finish line.
It was a fantastic trail race that certainly made me dig deep and push on. Well Done everyone who took part fantastic running and fantastic times.
Jill
