Wednesday 31st December - E & D Group Social run

The start (apols for a few people missing)

Wow - what a great turnout for the final run in 2014 - lots of happy faces and despite a bit of ice on the ground some good running.

It is great to see so many people enjoying their running and discussing big plans for 2015.

We do hope that you have a great New Year!

E and D Group Leaders

Saturday 27th December - Bollington Fun Run

This week, a group of E (and D) group runners met to take on the Bollington Fun Run (CAFOD run) with distances of either 3 or 4.5miles. The route was a familiar one with sections of the Middlewood Way and Canal being covered, as well as a icy venture through Tinkers Clough.
Many new members got their first 'race number' and there was tea and cake to enjoy post run!

Neil has uploaded some pictures HERE.
Sue Schilling has also uploaded some brilliant ones onto Facebook.

Friday 26th December - Boxing Day Handicap

Today the annual Macc Harriers Boxing Day Handicap Run takes place in Langley starting at about 10.30 from the Methodist Church. Event organisers are Daisy Pickles and Neil Gunn. This is a 'self handicapped' race - you predict your own finish time and the closest wins. No watches are allowed.

Registration in the St Dunstan Inn from 10.00am. Start at 10.30am for people predicting over 30 mins and 10.40am for those predicting less than 30 mins.

Why not run the route and get a time and see if you can win (it is a little bit under 4 miles)!

 If you don't want to run then we always need a bit of help at the registration, start and finish!

No entry fee but donations for East Cheshire Hospice welcome.

Bring along a mince pie or nibbles if you can. This is a really friendly way to blow off a few cobwebs.

Neil

Saturday 20th December - Festive Run Teggs Nose

Well, what an amazing turnout this morning for our Festive Run around Tegg's Nose! I think 'E' group alone were 25 runners, and all in festive fancy dress.

Conditions were not as forecast, and we did have a couple of showers, but they didn't dampen our spirits and everyone seemed to have fun!

The route was a challenging, hilly one along the reservoir, crossing the stream and up the 'Yellow Brick Road'. Everyone did really well, putting in maximum effort on the uphill!

After a very steep descent we returned to the car park for festive cake and other goodies, which we had definitely earned this morning.

Well done everyone!

Ali & Wendy

E & D Groups before the start - what a colourful lot

The stream holds no fear for these ladies

I wonder what the local wildlife was thinking....

Our very own elf (Jo) leads the way!

Followed by our very own Christmas Tree (Wendy)

Never ones to miss a photo opportunity!

For a lady who says she can't do hills - you're looking good Savitri

Catherine...nearly at the top

Luminous ladies!

Janice with a smile!

Karen, Margaret and Jane tackling the hill!

Our little fairy (Abi) & Christmas Tree (Wendy)

Excellent outfits Kathryn, Wendy & Jo!

Now for some fast descent

Deborah leads the way down

A short coffee break

Another photo opportunity

Considering the best way down?

Down through the woods, Rippon, Judith & Georgina

Found these 2 little 'runners' in the woods!

'E' Group all present & correct at the finish - well done!

Wednesday 17th December - Macc Harriers Night Street-O

The annual Street-O and 'social' organised by the fell runners is again be hosted at The Vale Inn (Bollington). This is NOT very competitive and is open to everyone - it can be done solo or in teams of 2/3. You need a head-torch, a pencil and a waterproof cover for the map (in case of rain like last year!).

Meet in The Vale Inn from 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start. There is the chance for chat/food/beer afterwards.

Promises to be a really good night out and a good way for you to meet some of the ancient fell runners!

As maps need to be printed please confirm if you are coming by Sunday 14th December latest.

Neil/Jenny/Wendy

Saturday 13th December - Bollin Valley with Donkeys

Start

The theme for today was cold, ice, mud. 20 hardy souls (including three new runners) got out of warm beds and put on running gear for a Bollin Valley run.

Once we got going we quickly warmed up and had lovely sunshine and wonderful lighting. A warm up on the car park was too tricky (ice) so we warmed up along the new Bollin Valley path (scattered a few dogs in the process). Running on the trails was a much safer option today but we soon realised how useless trail shoes are on slippery paths when we got to Prestbury.

On the way back after a quick 'jelly baby stop' we did two fields of 'Donkeys' (in two groups) - I was very impressed with the turn of speed from a number of group members - I think a few people are working on their speed to be able to move to D group!

Afterwards we  has a post run chat over coffee at the Tytherington Club.

Well done - see you next week!

Neil and Dawn

Sunny and cold....

Adam and Tom

Frosty running ... but soon warmed up!

Perfect day...

One field down, 2 to go!

Which is the least muddy option....

Good loop-back today

Frosty

...almost half way

Looks cold but not so bad when you are working hard

I was impressed with speed today!

Full team at Shirley's Bridge

Quick breather by the new Heron Sculpture in Prestbury

Path back more muddy

Very bright sunshine...

Lovely winter picture of runners!

Not much stopping today - well done!

LOOP BACK they shouted!

What a day!

Donkeys

Fi (C group runner?)

More Donkeys

Kate on a mission...

Catherine at 'full tilt'

Last Donkey

Final straight

Almost back

Deborah - achieved new goals today!

Our three 'new recruits'

Run for home...

Last 50m

Almost there

Time for coffee?

Amazing that nobody tripped or fell

Everybody back safely

Caption Competition 1

Caption Competition 2