Dr Dick Blackburn's

  DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD 10k ROAD RACE  2011

The Dudley Kingswinsford 10km is always popular, and with it's slick organisation and interesting rural route, it isn't hard to see why. This was my first running in the event and hadn't anticipated quite how busy the traffic is leaving Brum in the evening. Sitting at my desk in Moseley at 5.45 for a 7.15 race wasn't a smart idea! Anyhow, once parked up on the Rugby Ground and in the process of being devoured by wee midges (yep, the Spring is definitely here!), I joined up with Leigh, Ewan and Graeme on the 'Mile Flat', immersed in a hoard of almost 1000 runners. An incredible turnout for a Wednesday evening run! We followed country lanes passed picturesque rural pubs, enjoying the true 'smells of the countryside', before encountering a large hill, then meandering around various lanes. Leigh seemed to be shaking off an injury and sped ahead, whilst I was regretting the Ginster's pasty consumed in the car on the way over! About a mile from home, Danny passed as well, and whilst really struggling with pins and needles in both feet (very strange, apparently I laced up too tight?), the return to the 'Mile Flat' was welcome, and we arrived back at race HQ to finish. Nice Whisky Glass as an unusual memento, and a very commendable race.  Mike Scotney - Bournville Harriers