By James Bell

The 25th Greensands Ridge Relay race was run on the 22nd June 2013 during uncharacteristically cool weather along the 34 miles of the ‘Ridge’ from Tiddenfoot leisure centre to Northhill, near Sandy. A comfortable 16 degrees ensured that overheating wasn’t going to be a problem, but for those geographically challenged, one issue remained outstanding – was anyone going to get lost? LBAC was able to muster four teams, each named after birds comprising 6 runners that battled for trophies that included fastest team, mixed team, ladies trophy and handicap trophy. For Chris Williams, John Hull, myself and Adam Haylock, a reserve for Joe Hurley who was unable to make it, this was our first time doing the GRR. Fortunately we were mixed within teams that included Tom and Richard Inchley, Mike Bryant, Nick Clay that had 6-8 years of experience.

The competition was stiff as there was to be 39 other teams, some clearly stating their intention with names like ‘Tring Death or Glory’ and ‘Bedford Harriers SAS squad’.  The ‘Buzzards’, LBAC’s speed merchants, attempted a Trojan horse naming themselves after a relatively slow-flying bird. However, the cover was blown early as Simon Coombes managed to run the first leg (5.5 miles) at an average pace of 5.49 minute miles coming second for his leg. When Simon set off, The Falcons, led by Roger Seldon, were well on their way having started 31 minutes earlier. A mixed team, the Falcons included the very young (Charlie Mead M16) and the more senior including Roger and Liz Miller who were competing in the V60s.

 

 

Barely able to draw breath and only a few strides into their run the Falcons came under pressure from Chris Dimmock, LBACs Eagles, who started only one minute later. Soon into the run the Eagles were closing in and passed the Falcons within 4 minutes –Chris was pushing hard and managed to average 7:30 min miles for the leg.  A swooping start by Chris Norman for LBAC’s Hawks meant that his team got a great start. There would be no more overtaking for a while though as all remained relatively unchanged during leg 2 during which Fiona Towell, Jordan Clay, Liz Miller and Richard Inchley all held their own along a cheeky little 3.9 miles from Great Brickhill to Woburn. Jordan closed the gap placing his next in line, Peter Mackrell, in a perfect position to do the damage on leg 3. At about 2:30 in the afternoon a battle was raging between all teams during the longest leg that took the baton 9.1 miles northward to the Millbrook proving ground. Adam Haylock took the baton on leg 3 for the Falcons and drove past the Eagles running 0.48 min miles faster on average than Chris Williams. Meanwhile, I was running for the Hawks and was fending off the Buzzards for the briefest of moments until Peter passed me ominously coming out of an grave yard – with ease he pulled away running a similar pace to Jordan but even Peter was feeling the pressure.

To win the coveted fastest team trophy, Peter knew he’d have to do something special to keep Ampthill and Flitwick Flyers’, Phil Holland from overtaking him. The problem was that Phil Holland, representing the Nice and Easies team, was doing a 5.39 min mile  – 1.25 mph faster than Peter and was closing in fast. The break came in the last mile of the leg, just before Millbrook when the Nice and Easies passed the Buzzards. A few minutes later I went on to take Chris Williams but was unable to catch speedy Adam. Leg 4 took the baton 5.7 miles to Dead Man’s Hill, near Maulden and although largely flat, the leg had a testing hill at the beginning. Tom Inchley took the baton for the Buzzards who needed to stay with the Nice and Easies to stand a chance of making the podium and Tim, his brother running for the Hawks, followed soon after. Tom could not have done better as he was the fastest of any team on his leg and he put the Buzzard in front of the A&F Easies. Confusion for the remaining two teams was abound – the leg 4 runners for the Falcons and Eagles were late getting to the changeover which made for a couple of minutes of drama. However both Nick Clay and Jon Hull put in sterling performances for their teams. Tim was putting in some distance for the Hawks finishing at least 5 minutes ahead of Nick and Jon, and 4 minutes ahead of his allotted handicap time.

Leg 5 took the teams 5.5 miles northward to Deadman’s Cross and included leg runners Andy Inchley, Lynn Boddy, Warren Rose and Mike Bryant running for the Buzzards, Hawks, Falcons and Eagles respectively. Just after three, the Buzzards were 6 minutes ahead of the Hawks who were 4 minutes ahead for the Falcons who were 5 minutes ahead of the Eagles – the gap was now too big to overtake unless someone got lost. Unfortunately the Buzzards were overtaken by the A&F Easies who went on to win the fastest team trophy. After that all the major drama had passed although there was a tantalising race to see which of the Mead brothers could complete the final leg in the fastest time. Charlie, Billy’s junior, put in a great time of 30.21 for the 4.7 miles to Northill (team finish time 4:21:01) but Billy put in a 2 minute buffer ahead of Charlie to clinch 3rd for his leg overall. Both Nicki Inchley and John Adams kept hopes alive for their teams as they crossed the finish line (team finish time Hawks: 4:16.24, Eagles: 4:41.35). The final result was that the Buzzards came second in a time of 3:29.49 in the bid for fastest team in front of Rootsy’s All Stars who also took the handicap trophy. The Hawks, a mixed team, came third behind Biggleswade Bunnies & Bobcats and the formidable SAS squad who took the trophy.

 

 

 The GRR is a unique event in the region and well worth a shot whatever your ability. If you haven’t done it, it comes highly recommended by those who have. The only disappointment is that I wanted to run with a real baton but I guess I’ll have to wait till LBAC’s track and field fun day.