Blustery 10k made for a lively run around the water

Warmth in numbers: Ready to go at a cold and windy Draycote Water.

Event: 10k
Location: Draycote Water, near Rugby, Warwickshire
Date: 26/02/17

IT was a cold and blustery start to the Draycote Water 10k.

As we shivered on the exposed perimeter path to the reservoir, we hoped the sustained blast that was whipping faces and biting through clothing would become a tailwind and boost running times! Alas, that was not to be.

One of the group quipped: 'We've actually paid to do this,' and carried on shivering!

Straight run: On the way to the start. The track on the right was the
return route to the finish - it seemed a long way!

I was with my Massey Ferguson Running Club colleagues - and my son - in a total field of 482. Some had run a 10k here in January, when there was sleet as well. Earlier in the week, of course, Storm Doris, had also stirred up the water.

In some respects, we were quite lucky; there was neither sleet nor Doris to contend with. But it did feel as though some boisterous younger sibling of Doris was trying to get in on the act. I've since heard that it's always quite blustery at Draycote, even on a good day.

The man-with-the-megaphone was working hard to deliver advice and instructions, but from our position we were unable to hear what he was saying. The wind spirited his words away as soon as they were uttered.

Not that it mattered. When you're lined up with nearly 500 others all ready for the off, you pick up the gist of what's happening. And, after all, there was was only one way to go!

There was the usual banter as we shuffled around. Even in the cold, you get that 'warm feeling' as part of that human mass all eager to get moving.

Blustery start: A chilly and windswept wait.

And then we were off. Slowly at first, but gradually gathering pace as people got into their stride.

The course at Draycote is described as 'predominantly flat.' But don't let that fool you. In run-organiser speak, just as some terrain classed as 'undulating' can mean anything from a gentle slope to a killer mountain (ok, so it feels like a mountain), so 'predominantly' flat can mean just that - but it doesn't mean 'entirely' flat.

And when your legs are tired and you're battling against a mini gale determined to stop you in your tracks, those slopes can become a challenge.

To be fair, they aren't too bad. There are some runners who probably wouldn't even notice them, and they're nothing at all like those you can encounter with off-road trails, but they are there!

The camaraderie and mutual support at these events is inspiring. One runner confessed and offered thanks - as he overtook me, I hasten to add - that he'd been close behind and using me as a shield against the wind. Aaaah! It's nice to feel useful!

I tried to take in a view across the reservoir - might as well enjoy the scenery while running around it - but it wasn't that easy. Simply concentrating on the course was enough.

The last stretch - nearly a mile, I guess, depending on where you measure from - was perhaps the toughest. You could see the finish line ahead of you, but getting there seemed never ending, as you battled against the elements along the arrow-straight path.

The man-with-the-megaphone again (forgot to get his name, but he deserves a gold star. He was brilliant!) was encouraging people to wave their arms and smile for the camera. What? Wave our arms and smile for the camera?

There was more grimace than smile, and it was as much as you could do to keep your eyes on the course and stay upright. If you'd started waving your arms, you'd have been in danger of taking off. Mind you, that would have given your legs some respite!

Once over the finish line it was goody bag, medal and T-shirt time. I liked the 'bling.' Quite 'refined' and understated compared to some. But that adds to its appeal.

Red and white: Massey Ferguson runners eager for the off

The course director did a fantastic job keeping the enthusiasm going, and rallying support for runners still crossing the finish line. He probably used as much energy directing the crowd as he would have running the 10k!

Cheers and applause are infectious and can give you that extra boost when running. It made for a rousing finish!

The event, run by Race Organiser Management Service, was lively and well organised. It was my first run at Draycote. Would I do it again?

You bet - though next time it would be nice if the wind blew in the opposite direction!

All smiles: T-shirts and medals after the run.

• For another report of the run, click here.
• For this year's list of running events at Draycote Water, click here. 

Refined 'bling:' Draycote 10k medal.