Weston Christmas Cracker 18

Not a very nice morning but two reasons to get out. Firstly to try and reach the weekly target and secondly, it is the Weston Athletic Club Christmas Cracker Race a good event to get some photographs.  Went out through Hutton and went back to Weston via Wick St Lawrence and Kewstoke.  Perfect timing as the runners were gathering around the pier for the 1100 start.

Olaf

A bit of a shame, the light drizzle was turning into rain as the runners were assembling.  It didn't dampen their spirits though, there was a good atmosphere on the promenade.  Number 1899, Olaf was quite happy to pose for a picture.  Hope he does well in the fancy dress competition and the race.

The three penguins

Some more candidates for the fancy dress prize.  Very sensible attire for the cold, wet and windy conditions for the 10K event.  A cheerful trio, hope they did well in the race.

On your marks........

Getting ready for the off.  This annual event is held to raise funds for the Weston Hospice at Uphill.  This year there are 2,500 entrants and do a good job supporting the Uphill facility.  Some of the Old Gits are active members of the Athletic Club, one is the president, one is judging the fancy dress (too late to put a word in for Olaf and the penguins) and another is a marshall having trained a bunch of newbies to run the event.  The course is along the beach to Uphill and is 10K.

A mile in

After leaving the pier, it is along the beach to Royal Sands, back to the pier and then the full length of the beach to Uphill, return along the road.  By the time this was taken it was time to call it a day.  Hands and feet were cold and with home in sight (behind the runners) a shower and a cup of tea was too big a pull to resist.

Both aims achieved today.  After the 18 miler today, the weekly total ended up as 100.8 miles.