Frieth Hilly 10k Report by Kate Allred
Well, the clue was in the name, and it didn’t disappoint.
With some trepidation, and my first race back with Eynsham for a couple of years, I arrived ridiculously early, and psyched out at the sight of younger fitter runners. Found the toilets (few, no queue) and tea stand. Then killed an hour trying to keep warm.
A beautiful sunny autumnal day in the Chilterns, and for those that don’t know it, just around the corner from where they hold the Henley cross country. Freith is a quintessential Chilterns village, and the race was organised I think by the local school/ parents, and brilliantly supported by the pupils. A friendly, school sports day kind of vibe with a fab finish involving free flapjacks for runners as they crossed the line. Much needed.
As for the race itself, it started nicely with a gentle’ish descent, which soon began to steepen, and then steepened considerably. Should have brought nordic poles. Managed to spend the rest of the run playing catch up with Graham and Justin, as we ran pretty similar times, although Justin to his credit cycled 85 miles the day before so may otherwise stormed ahead. Dave was not visible after the start having stormed ahead from the very start.
There were climbs, needless to say, lots of beautiful scenery, hand clapping with the kiddies and then a tour de france style hill finish at the end lined with lots of supporters telling us we were almost there..,.
Good results all round, though no gongs, but podium places for Graham, Justin, me and Mary in our age categories. A nice group of us there including Toby, Alison, John, Richard and Dave. Medals were hand painted by the pupils and a nice touch.
A lovely event and day out, to be recommended.
