Staffordshire Moorlands AC Christmas Cracker 2014

Another great idea sparked off over a pint in our beloved post running energy recharging centre the Sir Nigel Gresley, writes Ade Middleton. ‘I might have a go at the Christmas Cracker race over The Roaches on the 21^st December, do you fancy it?’ says Steve Leafe.‘Sounds good to me, I’ll ask around and see if anyone else is interested’ I reply. So that’s how this one started and soon enough we have five keen runners ready to tackle an 8 mile Fell/XC race and a race that is possibly a first for SDRR.
Mark Nixon and Dave Eyre arrive to pick up Andy Orme & I and within the hour we are there. With plenty of time to spare we spend it valuably by carbo-loading with cake and coffee at Tittesworth Reservoir Visitor’s Centre, highly recommended.  Straight away Andy Orme recognises another couple of early arrivals from Peel and we soon get a good idea of what we are in for.  ‘Where are your costumes?’, bemused we look at each other but at least Andy and I have our Xmas hats on.  And so as all the other runners turn up and register with car parking proceeds going to the Air Ambulance, a worthy cause we hope not to call upon ourselves.  Then Steve and Wendy arrive, ‘Morning all, we have the tea, coffee and mince pie’s for everyone if you are hungry or thirsty afterwards’ and the ‘Famous 5 ‘ are assembled and ready.
Time for the off, we all head out to the starting field stood amongst Santa, the Penguin, Pingu, Happy Feet and all his colony, the Naughty Nuns, a Transvestite from the Rocky Horror show, inflatable Santa, various elves, a Ninja, a lifeguard from Baywatch, one of the wise men…on a donkey….you get the picture?  Looming ahead of us and dominating the skyline stand ‘The Roaches’ and in 3.7 miles and 1000ft climb we will be at the highest point on them.
Off we go heading up various tracks, across fields and through farm yards clearly designed to test our sense of smell.  Dave and Steve are flying off the mark with the rest of us making steady progress keeping them in sight.  Simultaneously, Andy and I pass Steve, and Andy continues to pull away heading up a road section leading to the foot of The Roaches.  Mark is comfortably working his way through the pack and enjoying his return to XC racing.  Dave is still within sight but looking strong as we start to head up on to the ridge.  Momentum grinds to walking pace as nearly everyone struggles with the steepness of the slope, deep breathes, hands on knees, but keep going and soon it flattens out.  Running pace is quickly restored but careful route choice is needed.  There is the slower trudge through the mud on the side of the path or a faster technical but more dangerous one across the rough rocks?
Then turn right , another steep but short climb and up on to the exposed ridge.  Visibility is good but no time for site seeing today.  I look up in front and can hardly believe my eyes, our very own Louis Spence (AKA Andy Orme) appears to be eloquently performing the ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’ in slow motion, skipping from one rock to another.  ‘I hate these rocks, you carry on Ade’ and so off I go heading towards the highest point in eager anticipation of the downhill.  Further in front Dave is having a tussle with the Rocky Horror show guy, but surges ahead and is now on his return back to the reservoir. I approach the downhill section & smile to myself as I know this will be the best section. I increase pace and think‘Disengage your brain from your legs and go’ and bang I’m off, gaining speed, picking my route, passing other runners, calling to the walkers ahead ‘Coming through, thanks, Happy Christmas!’ as I go by. Over the rocks, through the mud, leaping off the ledges, leaning forward, along the rock slabs and reaching the road.
Meanwhile Steve is also mesmerised by the dancing Orme, he closes in and passes.  Rejuvenated by this he puts in a good section and reaches the downhill.  He attacks this much the same as I did and loves every second of it. Fists clenched grinning away, he flies down, reaching the road with a lead over Andy. Mark is also doing well continuing along the ridge passing yet another Santa, Indiana Jones and a Vicar, then safely descends for his way back.
But what’s this? Andy now on his favourite surface ‘Tarmac’ catches Steve and heads back as quick as he can with the thought of never returning to The Roaches for a race like this again. The race finishes with Dave Eyre having a great race coming in 42^nd in 1:05:41. Next I approach and can see Wendy and Dave cheering. I finish 75^th in a time of 1:10:26. Shortly followed in 87^th by Andy Orme in 1:13:51, who then ends on a sprint finish and beats a fellow runner to the line ‘Sorry mate had to do it!’ he says. Steve Fowler is next coming in with a group, he charges and crosses the finish ahead of them for a well earned 111^th in 1:18:00. The team gathers together to wait their fellow SDRR member. Mark Nixon appears coming over the field looking solid and smiling away to himself as he passes the finish line stopping the clock in 1:20:50 giving him a very respectable 125^th place out of a field of 265. We all congratulate each other, still buzzing with adrenaline and look back on a memorable race enjoying Wendy’s mince pies and warming ourselves up with a coffee.
This was a great race, very well supported by the public and Mountain Rescue, extremely friendly, marshalled well by Staffordshire Moorlands AC with money going to very worthwhile charities. Thank you Mark Nixon for driving, Wendy Ferrier for supporting and supplying us with tea, coffee and mince pies. This was about trying something different and enjoying a mornings run with friends, mission accomplished. Thanks to Steve Leafe for the idea, maybe next year you will join us on the 2015 return?