The Ilmington 10K was a new addition to the Strider Race Series this year, and the six Striders who tackled the course were in for a treat. This must be one of the most scenic local races, with uninterrupted vistas of the Cotswolds at every turn on a clear, bright winter’s morning. The usual Sunday visitors to the area – walkers, mountain bikers and tea-room junkies – were still a-bed as Sian and I drove out along the Fosse Way to this little village. Arriving at Ilmington Sports and Social Club a little before 9.30, we were greeted by Nick Adams, Rich and Fay Merrell, and shortly thereafter by Michelle Clements. Striders almost outnumbered marshals at this point.

Nick, needing to tick off 12 miles on his marathon training schedule, headed off to do a warm up lap of the entire route, while Rich and I thought it was still a bit too cold, despite the winter sun, and headed inside to pick up our numbers. This was to be my first speed work of any kind since Gloucester marathon a month earlier, so I too then decided I’d better warm up, and went to recce the first 3k to decide how best to tackle the race proper. Arriving back in time for the start, I saw Sean Lonergan in the car park and then, to complete the turnout, Justin Mallard. The race referee gave us a quick briefing in the car park, including the latest AAA guidelines recommending that runners do not sprint at the end of a race (because the last 200m is where almost all heart attacks occur). Cue witty retorts. And so to the race. For any runner yearning for this year’s Hilly 100, the route today gave a gentle reminder of the delights of that competition, with a trip up Larkstroke Hill occupying almost all of the first 3k. Legs wobbling and throats raw from the mother of all hill reps, the course mellowed and I was very surprised to find myself up near the leaders. Toby Spencer of Coventry Godiva had led from the start and was out of sight, but I was just adrift of half a dozen other runners who didn’t appear to be pulling away. After the 4k mark we started to head downhill, and on the periodic steep stretches I let gravity do the hard work. Leaning down the hill, I let my feet move more quickly (anyone remember Billy Whizz in the Beano) and gradually gained on the runners ahead of me. I had no watch on because of the demise of my Garmin, so had no idea of the pace or time elapsed, but the route had markers every kilometre so when we re-entered Ilmington at 7k, I knew we had to do another loop somewhere. Sure enough, tantalisingly close to the finish, a marshal directed me right and out into the countryside again. This section didn’t take long though and I was soon running back through the village and had the unusual experience of seeing runners who were behind me approaching in the opposite direction and on the same side of the road! Confused? I turned off the road for the last 100 metres on grass to finish in front of the Social Club, looking around as I approached the line for my supporters. Nowhere to be seen, until I peered in the windows to see them watching from a comfortable, warm vantage point, and obviously surprised that I’d arrived back so soon (but then so was I). So far due to either feeding, sleeping or crying, Sian has not seen me finish a race. I need to come up with some supporter best practice I think. Within seconds, Rich was over the line too, and in under 40 minutes so I had some idea of my time at least. Fay had been counting and said she thought I was 4th, later confirmed. Nick had completed his second lap of the course before I got my breath back, shortly followed by Justin, and then Michelle came home as second lady. Sean completed the Strider contingent, pleased to have bested the hill without walking. Dawn Clark, cycling over to spectate, managed to arrive as we gathered for the results, having been taken on a circuitous 35 mile journey by Satnav. Taking pity we fed her coffee and crisps, not envying her return journey, even if it would hopefully be shorter with the benefit of my roadmap. As Michelle collected her prize as 2nd lady, the tumultuous applause caused Sian to erupt into load wails, so I retired to the car park, leaving Carolyn to pick up an unexpected Vet 40 prize for me. Not the easiest of races, but hills are excellent training and we runners usually shy away from them, so this may well find its way into the race series again if the other Striders here today add their recommendation. Next up in the series is a choice of half marathons, Silverstone and Draycote, both on 11th March. I’ll be at Draycote... see you there.

Full list of Striders and times today: Trevor Wilkinson 1st MV40 and 4th overall 39:12 Richard Merrell 8th 39:55 Nick Adams 27th 46:37 Justin Mallard 30th 47:52 Michelle Clements 2nd Lady and 37th overall 48:58 Sean Lonergan 67th 53:54

Membership of the Club is open to nearly everyone. You can join as long as you are eligible as defined by the governing bodies which the club is affiliated (UK Athletics), you are a minimum of 17 years old, you support the purpose of the club as outlined in our constitution (ask a committee member or visit the downloads section) and have no conflicting membership with any other club. Second claim memberships will be permitted at the discretion of the committee.

If you wish to become a member then speak to a committee member and sign up via the registration link at the top of this page. (Alternatively click here). Anyone applying for membership shall be elected regardless of ability, race, colour or any other factor.

The club operates a 1 month grace period policy. We are happy for people to run with us for a while in order to decide whether the club is right for them. After this time we ask that you pay the membership fee.

The Club subscription year is from 1st June to 31st May.

Annual subscription rates for each category of full membership are set at the Annual General Meeting in May. The rates payable for the year 11/12 are:

Individual Member                 £55.00    

Tennis Member                      £18.00    

Retired Member                     £50.00    

(A Tennis Member is someone who is already a paid up member of the Leamington Lawn Tennis & Squash Club)