Race For Life

It was a very early start for a Sunday morning. The alarm set for seven much to both Tracey and Jessica’s delight; both of whom had been out the night before on the razzle.

 Luckily we had prepared the night before. Our kit was ready with the race numbers pinned to both the front and back of the girls T shirts and all ready to go. No faffing, well less faffing as a faf-free departure for two teenage girls is nigh on a impossibility!

Tracey and Jess were both pretty quiet as we headed out the door. No doubt questioning what they were doing going out so early after not getting in until the wee hours! We jumped into the car and headed out. Surprisingly the sun was shining and it was a lovely morning. The forecast had been for showers.

We parked the car in Clifton village and walked to the Downs where the event was being held. We gradually saw more and more ladies dressed in pink obviously taking part in the 5k race themselves. The previous day had seen the 10k race being run and a fun event-the Pretty Muddy race with various obstacles thrown in for an extra challenge.

Gradually more and more people arrived. Heart radio manned the stage and the team wound the crowd up before the race culminating in a final warm up. To see a sea of ladies all clad in pink doing the warm up all in synchronisation was quite funny. People of all ages and ability joined in, the young, the old,mums with kids, some even ran with the kids strapped to their backs in carry chairs or pushed them in pushchairs! Others came in fancy dress, one of Jess’s friends being one of them sporting her Kermit the frog onezey!

There was a minutes silence held to remember all those people that had lost their battle with Cancer or who were currently fighting this terrible disease. It was very poignant with many people shedding a silent tear.

Then the fun began! The ladies were split into three groups; the runners, the joggers and the walkers. Not wanting to overdo it so early on a Sunday morning the girls decided on the latter group. It wasn’t long before they were soon on their way.

Tracey and I waited patiently in the sun for them to finish the race. It wasn't long before the first runners came over the finish line and soon they were coming in thick and fast. Each collecting a bottle of warter, a snack and their all important medal as they funnelled out over the finish line. After a while we soon spotted the girls heading towards us through the crowds. Huge smiles on their faces, both had thoroughly enjoyed the event  and vowed to do it again next year.