A mixed group of 16 joined the Hares – Big Dibber and Motor Gnome for a lovely excursion round the rural edges of eastern Preston. The weather was perfect despite a chilly wind and the fields and paths were mostly less muddy than I had anticipated. We were soon off the tarmac and in the woods. Lots of checks kept the front runners happy and busy. It was good to run and chat with Large Package and Hard Astern. Even better when Ready About also was there to help with the checks- more on that later. The cycle way led us safely over the M6 and then on paths and lanes that I rarely frequent. A couple of rather boggy checks near Cow Hill gave me wet feet and we had split from the Wimps by now. At a bridge near Haighton House we met up again and had a pleasant route down their driveway to the beer stop.

The second loop started with more wonderful wooded paths up and towards the Guild Wheel. Entering Mason’s Wood our running group had become rather strung out. Full of enthusiasm K2 dropped down to the stream and bridge and found flour. On, On. Large Package quickly followed. Sadly we did two detours, found no further flour and missed the loop through Mason’s Wood and across the Golf Course. Fortunately we did find a way back onto the Wimps return route and the later runners, including two Virgin friends, were more careful than us and found the correct path and round the golf course. Yes we were punished in the circle- Down Down. Despite the shaggy there was only one Hash Crash and no harm done.

We were all soon in the Anderton Arms refuelling and chatting. Thanks to the Hares for an entertaining Sunday.