Runners are a hardy lot as Sunday’s (23 October) Ipstones 5ish proved with adults and juniors giving 100% in extremely wet weather. It was a 1, 2 and 3 for Boalloy RC who took the team prize as well.

The Congleton based club was part of a grimly determined field of runners who were not going to let the 'a little rain' stop them from racing hard and fast on this tough, hilly course. The climb at mile 4 was enough to make your eyes water...

Race 17 in the NSRRA League Programme, the Ipstones 5ish became the Ipstones 4ish (approx 4.75 miles) due to the conditions and a football match on the field normally used for the start and finish. NSRRA Chairman Ken Rushton and team adapted to the situation and sent everyone on their way from the road outside the Memorial Hall HQ. 

This is a well established event that dates back to 1978 where it was created to raise funds for worthy causes. It is held in the village of Ipstones in the Staffordshire Moorlands which is north of the Churnet Valley and not far from Alton Towers with views across the surrounding countryside. If you like roller coasters then expect a few ups and downs in this race. 

There was a Junior Fun Run at 9.45am with impressive runs by the youngsters that was followed by the main race at 10.30am. Away they went with Boalloy RC’s Carl Moulton and Ashley Maughan and City of Stoke AC’s Peter Nimmo at the front. Boalloy RC’s Dan Hibberd was close behind. 

They and the rest of the field ran on undulating roads plus a farm track consisting of stones and rocks that was challenging underfoot, especially for Barefoot Blade Paul who took a tumble but jumped back up and carried on. A gritty performance by the Stoke based barefoot runner.  

Carl Moulton held off the challenge of his teammate Ashley Maughan to win in 26:54. Maughan followed in 27:06 with Dan Hibberd third in 27:30. 

It was another outstanding run by Kelly Butler of City of Stoke AC as the women’s winner in 32:27. Emily Merrison was second in 33:33 and Julie Hulbert of Cheadle RC third in 34:40. 

Boalloy RC won the men’s team prize; South Cheshire Harriers the women’s team prize. 

All the results from the Ipstone 5ish and the Junior Fun Run can be viewed via the runABC Midlands Race Listings page. 

There was a sweet selection of prizes for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd male and female; age group winners and team (male and female) winners. VeloRunner (Stone) sponsored the Ipstones 5ish with shoe vouchers for the winning man and lady and two more vouchers for a male and female runner chosen at random. 

Funds raised from the event will go to Diabetes UK and Ipstones Tiny Tots.   

Ken Rushton thanked the marshals (all local people), Michelle Buckle (tail runner), helpers and everyone else involved in delivering a well organised event. And last but not least the runners for supporting the race.    

Finally...a ‘thank you’ to the towing team who pulled runners cars out of the muddy field. You deserve a medal!  

Image courtesy of Bryan Dale (Race Photos).