15/08/2023
Middletown Hill Race
Wednesday 2nd August 2023
The reason the Dragon was flying on Middletown Hill, this race.
Those that came to watch saw a great race. The juniors race at 7 for ages 6 – 14 was fantastic, with 14 runners lining up at the start and were quickly underway, each age group has a different turn around and it wasn't long before the youngest were back to the finish, racing down the finish field better than some of the senior runners, who keenly watched hoping to pick up some race techniques. The last of the junior runners came in to rapturous applause.
The seniors event at just 1.8 miles long may be mistaken for an easy race, but it has 1450ft of climb and descent in that distance. 80 runners were on the start line and were quickly off. By the time they were out of the start field (750m) the race had spread out, at the top of Middletown Hill the first time to the Red Dragon there was a clear leading group of five runners. Dominic Jones, Jack Agnew, Adam Bentham, Andy Watkins and last years winner Sara Willhoit. Though places changed out of sight on the precipitous descent to Belle Eisle on the other side of the hill, when they came back into view on the second climb up to the Red Dragon Jack and Adam had a clear lead, with Dom Jones in third place being chased by Andy and Sara.
On the final descent into the finish field Jack maintained first place in 24.03 Adam came in 2nd in 24.16, and Andy overtook Dom to take third spot with Sara finishing in 5th place.
This was a fantastic race to watch with the last runner over the line just under the hour. This is regarded as one of the toughest short races in the region. It is worth training for if you want to do next years event which is likely to be Wednesday 7th August.
Middletown Hill Race is part of the Shropshire Summer Series which is eight races from April to August each year with races from the Wrekin to the Long Mynd to Middletown Hill.
Thanks to Stwff and Things for supporting our event.
The Breidden Hills Race (Sun 15th September) starting from Criggion is the first race in the Shropshire Winter Series.
For more info on Fell/hill running contact [email protected]
