THE JOY OF SIX

Lovers of skimpy singlets and low-lying mist were in their element again on Sunday as runners from far and wide descended on Cromford for the annual High Peak Relay.

One of only three clubs in the 38 strong field to enter three teams, Derwent Runners were well represented by a strong men’s team and two enthusiastic mixed ones.

As in previous years, a testing 800ft climb began proceedings as competitors raced uphill to join the former railway line that makes up most of the trail.

Muddy underfoot and cloaked in the aforementioned mist, the course flattened out to follow the cinder path once taken by steam trains on their way to Dowlow, near Buxton

After doubling back on themselves, athletes running the latter legs then retraced the steps taken by their colleagues to return to the cheering crowds stationed on Intake Lane.

In such trying conditions all efforts were herculean. But special mention should be made of Matt Cartwright and Mike Marshall, who finished second and third in their respective legs.

James Watt, in his first High Peak start in the green and white hoops came eighth, as did Oliver Meek, and Neil Thurlow’s hard work earned a highly impressive fourth place.

Not content with running one leg, Ian Doherty ran two, with Andy Morgan going one better in managing to turn out for all three teams.

Having squeezed into ninth overall in 2010 with a time just over 238 minutes, the men’s team went three places better to finish sixth, shattering their previous record (albeit on an altered course) by almost fifty minutes.

They were within 15 minutes of North Derbyshire Running Club’s winning one and less than four minutes off their nearest rivals, Porter Valley Plodders. Surely a top five finish beckons next November?

Despite a slight slip down the rankings from 18^th and 27^th to 31^st and 36^th, our mixed teams proudly flew the flag too, proving the Hoops are Derbyshire’s friendliest running club as well as one of its best.

And with the post-race debrief at the Mill House in Milford in full swing, the ever-growing band of green hoodies took over a corner to toast their achievements.

Frothing pints and curly chips were on the menu, but, as ever, it was camaraderie and Corinthian spirit that sustained them and soothed their aching limbs.

Roll on 2012.

Robin Hutchison