Stockton Trail Running Series - Preston Hall

Its been a long time since i have competed in a running event but Stockton Council are organising a series of Trail events at various venues across Stockton on Tees. Todays event was at Preston Hall, the weather forecast was good so time to give it a go. We got there sharp to get signed on in the conservatory, it was very busy with club runners so felt alittle out of place but there was a few unattached novices milling around. First up was the Kids U15 race starting at 9.45am - 2k loop. Both Angus & Arran were entered and ready, theres was a one lap race so was a quick blast on a great mixed terrain loop. They had tarmac, mud, gravel, board walk, bridges, steps, uphill, downhill and flat out sections. Arran was on fire and had a good race coming in around 12th we think, Angus is more steady away and had an enjoyable event.
Onto the main race, this was two laps again with the same mixed terrain - there was something for everyone's taste. It wasnt a technical course but still hard work where there was the head wind. Both me & Jane were eneterd and by 10.15am we were off. It was a quick sprint up through the overflow carpark and into the woods. What i cannot understand is why complete novices decided to start near the front of the pack. There was nearly a couple of big pile ups with faster runners nearly running over the top of them. I started near the back and worked my way through. First lap was good and feeling ok, second lap was starting to slow as the early red mist must have took its toll on my legs. Before the last climb on the second lap i was flagging but knew there wasnt far to go to the finish in front of the Hall. I didnt have a watch on so cannot judge my speed / time but i was well and truly shattered by the time i had my sprint'ish finish to the line. Jane came in just after 31mins, she also enjoyed it compaired to a Sat morning Parkrun but said she would have liked to see km marker boards out.
We are looking forward to doing some more, just need more training and soem weight off!

Fast lads are off

Rest of the field following through

Loads of kids there, great to see

Arran on a mission

Angus on the board walk

Jane ready for the sprint finish

Me struggling, the four chasing behind didnt beat me to the finishline, god knows how !