Thursday 28th May – Apperley Bridge Canter

Thursday 28th May – Apperley Bridge Canter

Report from Sean O’Halloran:

Following a last min decision, due to a change in childcare duties, I was free to run on Thursday evening and decided to enter the 2015 Apperley Bridge Canter along with a good OAC turnout.

The race is billed as a multi terrain race, but I decided to run in road shoes and was glad I did as 90% of the race was tarmac.
Due a change in route because of canal path closures and not knowing the area I was completely unaware of what lay ahead.
The route had three steady climbs which tested the legs and lungs. The places I gained on the hills were balanced out on the flat/downhill tarmac sections which made great racing.

Toni and I had an enjoyable battle on the night; From the start I could always see Toni just ahead but never gained until the second noticeable climb, around half way,where I caught up and pulled ahead. Toni then caught me on the flat/downhill tarmac section. Going into the final mile we were side by side covering each other’s move. My saving grace was a steep downhill grassy bank, switching in to off road mode I flew down the hill and took a slight lead. But it was not long before Toni was on my shoulder again.

Sean_and_Toni_HorsforthABCInto the final field and about 800m to go and the race was on. The route took us around a large playing field and I could sense Toni behind me all the time. We turned the final corner and on to the last 200m and us both set off for a sprint finish.
Every time I increased my pace Toni was there, I could hear her breathing hard and giving it her all. With 10-15m to go and with the lactate levels almost at the max, I moved into top gear and gave it absolutely everything I had and held on to cross the line just ahead.

Immediately after crossing the finishing line the retching started and waves or nausea hit, yep I had been pushed to the limit and it confirmed I had given it everything.

I was thankful for the steady climbs and minimal off road sections, without them Toni would have easily taken the victory. It was a great battle and I thank Toni for pushing me hard and next time I’m sure Toni will take the honours, this is what I love about racing.

However the performance of the night for me goes to Lisa Maughan, following a time off due to injury and family commitments Lisa confirmed last night she is back and running really well, especially after doing Ilkley Trail race earlier in the week.
First home for OAC was Tom Midgley in 38:17. Also for Otley were Mark Hall in 39:38, Eriks Zvaigzne in 49:25, Stephen Small in 50:56, Andrew Rayner in 51:32, Sara Elliott in 52:50, Lisa Maughan in 55:35, and Sara Richard in 57:41 with myself finishing in 01:01:32 and Toni Midgley finishing in 01:01:32.

The winner was Philip Tedd from Thames Hare & Hounds in 34:52 and the first lady was Rachel Bourne from Hyde Park Harriers in 41:12.  Full results on John Schofield race results here.

2 thoughts on “Thursday 28th May – Apperley Bridge Canter

  1. Really good turnout for OAC. Well done to eveyone. Sean, not sure they were steady climbs, I was gasping but you are maybe right, think it was more of an indication of my present condition that I found the circuit very tough.

  2. Toni M. was impressive in being competitive until the finish line that is strong running at his best . Billy R. with 51:32 ran well in this trail race with a good result ,and Mark H. with 39:38 although not at his best shape achieved a very good performance. Well done everyone.

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