43 Striders took to the road on a gorgeous Sunday morning to race the 10km Two Castles Run.

The morning started with a gathering of the clan in front of the Castle gate beneath the Start arch, for a team photo at 8.30. Five minutes or so later, the Courier photographer turned up. By this time most of us were getting a bit edgy as the race started at 9am, we had a lengthy detour to get into the castle grounds, and most wanted to squeeze in (or should that be out) at least one more toilet stop.

The race start was very relaxed, partly due to a fault with the PA system as we waited just inside the Castle grounds. The upside was that no-one could hear the Mayor delivering his pre-race motivational speech, the downside was that we didn't hear a countdown either and so were caught off guard when the horn sounded.

The green and red vests of the Strider masses were well-represented throughout the field as we ran through the streets of Warwick and out towards Leek Wooton, with Mike Ellis notably within touching distance of the race car throughout on his way to 5th place in 36:20. Stuart Mead followed closely behind in 7th (36:53). Whilst no team prizes were awarded, Trevor Wilkinson (21st) and Liam Godbert-Brown (28th) completed the Striders Men's Team that achieved a nominal second place behind Leamington C&AC.

Carolyn Wilkinson was 5th Lady home (42nd overall) in a time of 40:32, followed by Dawn Clark, 9th Lady in 43:43, Michelle Clements, 19th Lady in 47:53 and Bethan Gwynn, 21st Lady in 48:09. The ladies were second team, again behind Leamington.

We were also treated to a rare outing by our illustrious leader Mali, obviously feeling that near 50% club participation merited another turnout so soon after his Hilly 100 leg.

We gathered at the finished to swap tales of the heat, near and actual PBs and were suitably positioned to benefit from what seemed to be a re-distribution of the European banana mountain. (I came home with a dozen... )

We benefited from some noisy encouragement from stalwart Striders Lucy, Nadine and Helen as we entered the later stages. A welcome boost for many of us (except Mike to whom the supporters were a blur), even if they were clearly lying at times. "You're looking good/strong" and "not far to go now" were typical of the phrases liberally shouted at anyone in a Striders vest.

The Striders day out continued into the afternoon with a trip for many to the Waterman pub, where we lounged around on assorted picnic blankets listening to folk music and enjoying the sunshine and barbeque. While the memories of the race were still fresh, roving reporter Carolyn brandished notepad and pen to capture the following heartfelt views on the race:

"I was so disappointed that my husband John finished ahead of me, even though it was his first race back after an 18 month injury and ony two weeks training (Bev Brown) (Editor's note: I suspect this may not have been written by Bev, but by a gloating hubby... as Will Shakespeare would say "pride cometh before a fall, or at the very least a nasty jab in the ribs when you are off guard")

Perfect conditions. Good fun with the photo before the start. Felt like death halfway through but I survived. PB on that course. (Nick Adams)

First time running the race in 3 years. Still a challenging but enjoyable course. Hot weather made it harder but still managed PB on this course. Writing this whilst enjoying a pint and a burger!! (Rich Sykes)

Having not run the course for a number of years I had forgotten how many hills it entailed. I decided to have a sedate run and take in the sights along the way. I was forced to question my slower pace when overtaken by a man wearing an Afro wig. I did overtake him with 2km to go. All in a great day, some sun at the end and a good day had by all. (Richard Brangwin)

First time on the course, good conditions but quite warm. Not as difficult as I expected the course to be. Crowd was a bit miserable, expensive too. (Mike Ellis) - (Ed. According to Lucy, supporting us en route, Mike was too focussed on maintaining his position up front to be distracted by such things as waving at cheering supporters)

2nd outing in this race with the buggy. Pleased to get a "buggy PB" especially as it felt so much harder pushing him up the hills this year - he's a lot heavier! Fantastic support and encouragement frm crowds and fellow runners en route (Clare Hinton)

I have done this run before but I remember it as being flat - who installed the hills since last year's? (Kate Evans) - (Good luck in Wales next weekend then Kate!)

Following my regular entry in the Two Castles I now have a pair of new trainers for sale. Only worn a couple of times and will help pay towards my membership of the local bowls club. (Steve Atherton)

A lucky course for me. 4th time and 4th PB although this time thanks to Carolyn for some pacemaking which stopped me from doing anything stupid. A great day for the social at the Waterman (Tim Stooks)

Disapointed with my first ever race due to a lack of training of late and a stitch that lasted about 4k. The only saving grace being that I managed to catch a lady in flowery shorts on the finish line with a bit of a sprint finish (Becca Dutson) (Ed. Welcome to the world of race pain... just remember the satisfaction you got outsprinting flower lady at the end.)

The day started well, sporting my new Spa Striders vest - perfect - then downhill from there - lost car keys meant the race had started and I had to weave in and out - felt comfortable to the end and 44m 15s was better than last years' 47m but I wanted 42! - Picnic and weather saw things looking up again (Nick Hargrave)

Last ran Two Castles 2 years ago, having just returned to regular running. So 2 years later, a few Striders sessions under my belt abd I managed to shave 7 mins off my time! Result (Bethan Gwynn)

Bad start, felt bad on warm up run down to race. Didn't get any better, wanted to pull out at 8K. Thanks to Bethan for looking after me at the end. Personal worst 47.27 (Michelle Clements)

Didn't feel good on warm up but decided to stick with plan to start faster than usual. Enjoyed the run and managed to maintain a reasonable pace to finish in my best time for the event at 47.15 (Pete Schofield)

Felt like I ran as hard as I could on the day; coped OK with the hills (well, OK by my hill-running standards). 43 mins 45, about what I expected for this course. Quite pleased with 9th lady (Dawn Clark)