Poppit Race Series 2006

July 18th, August 3rd and August 15th

Report by David Astins

A popular series of three 5k (ish) multi-terrain races for those who haven’t done them before.  Quite tough going, but very good speed endurance training and a bit of strength as well from running across the sand – which can be hard or soft depending on the weather and tidal conditions of the previous day or so.

Race 1 – 18th July – saw 7 members battle hot and humid conditions in what proved to be the slowest time, for many, of the 3 races.  A shock on the start list was one Mr Matt Lilley – apparently he’s been doing some secret training with Ingli Runners.  Some of us nearly didn’t make it to the start – a super large fly, with big teeth, came into the car on the way up and caused Lucy & Elen to go into a virtual fit.  Stopping the car and removing said fly was a good move on Terry’s part, but then taunting the girls with a plastic spider certainly was not.  Still, the usual dash to the wonderful chippy in St. Dogmaels after the race made amends, Elen having her 5th portion of beans of the day, the rest of us going for chips with a wide range of things – pickled onion in my case sitting nicely alongside fish, chips & coke. Now that’s proper post-race food, none of this daft pasta nonsense.

Race 2 – 1st August – I think the conditions were better, possibly even a bit windy.  Roger again cycled to the race from Haverfordwest, and this time actually ran rather than just clapping and then legging it to the chipster.  We were up to 9 runners this time, Jim, Alex and Dave H getting sand in their trainers for the first time at Poppit this year.  I moved from 7th in the first race to 5th in this, but most important of all was the transition from pickled onion to pickled egg – not something to be recommended.  Still, the fish and chips were superb (Bowen’s, it’s on the left as you go through St. Dog’s).

Race 3 – 15th August – and 9 runners again.  This time Lee & Ellie were at Poppit for their first race of the series, and Lee for his first ever Poppit experience doing really well in 10th place and an excellent 19:36.  In the final standings Lucy did well with third female and second open female, and I got third male.  Not bad for a little triathlon club.  Most importantly of all was the third and final trip to Bowen’s, bigger queue this time, but well worth the wait.  I think we took the team prize for most chips eaten during the series, and widest variety of dishes too, although we stopped short of repeating the pickled egg experience.

To sum up – great social outing, great races, great fun.  And top nosh too, in case you hadn’t got that message!!

Full results for all 3 races and the final standings are on the Computer Services Agency web-site.