Athletics
IN what proved to be as much a battle against the conditions as the formidable course, five Teedsale AC runners headed south for the Temple Newsam 10 Mile Trail Race, also known as the Tough Not Timid Race.
In only its fifth year, it sells out within hours of places being released and this is perhaps little surprise as the race starts against the imposing backdrop of the magnificent Tudor Jacobean Temple Newsam House and sets runners away through the Capability Brown designed grounds.
Runners are then confronted by an undulating course which weaves its way through the east Leeds environs before returning them to a finish again close to Temple Newsam House.
In the days running up to the race, certain sections of the course were flooded continuing heavy rain through the latter part of the week ensured that the flooded parts of the course worsened and conditions were slippery underfoot throughout.
It should be said though that the testing conditions, rather than dampening the atmosphere, seemed to bring an infectious buzz of enthusiasm amongst all participants and contributed to what was almost universally acclaimed as an outstanding trail race.
The dale runners thoroughly enjoyed their day and all indicated a desire to do battle with the TNT in 2021.
First home for the club was Andrew Crawley in 1.43.38hrs, closely followed by Barbara Crawley in 1.44.20. Simon Pettitt completed the course in 1.47.28, and was followed thereafter by Judith Rodwell in 1.52.47 and Amanda Pettitt 1.58.47.
