Wrekin Wrecker fell race

Race: Wrekin Wrecker fell race (8m/2400ft)
Time/Position: 1.08.14 (23rd from 189)
An object lesson in making the most of a small Shropshire hill: three different ascents of this famous miniature mountain near Telford make this a tough and memorable race. An unusually strong field today, and a fast pace from the start through autumnal woods, very wet underfoot, before gaining a series of long zig-zags  through the conifers to gain a steepish ridge and the crest of the Wrekin. Some mist playing around, and urban views over Telford below as we embarked on a superb descent. This went down tracks initially before plunging down very steep and narrow paths on soft leaf litter. This suited me perfectly for some reason, and I picked up 10 places. A long false flat section led to a brutally steep climb back to the little rock pinnacle near the summit. Quite cold and still, so the condensing runners' breath created a weird low mist through the trees. From the pinnacle over the main summit ridge before plunging back down yet again. Another climb back to the top was inevitable, and it came soon after: three times up the Wrekin is enough for anyone. After the final descent, however, came an excellent long run-in, fast and enjoyable.