Round the Walls

Race: Round the Walls, Chester (4.7m)
Time/Position: 25.15 (10th from 430)
With a sharp frost forecast it seemed very unlikely that the full route would be on this morning. I've done the race at least five times, and have only once done the walls - such is the sensitivity of the route to adverse weather. However, we woke to dull skies and no frost, so the race was on. Kate and I set off with enfants spectating (with a distinct lack of interest) from the Roodee grandstand. The Roodee section was limited this year, with a sprint out to the first furlong marker, then back via some loops near the grandstand to climb the steps to Nuns Road. Then came the walls - really exciting racing. There was a group of four or five some way in front of me, then myself and Gary Norgrove. Great racing round the walls and through the recently opened clock tower. I felt OK as we started along the long final straight, next to the Dee, round the Roodee, and a few extra loops on the very muddy racecourse.