Can Run Will Run: Tractor 10k gets league off to a speedy start

LOOK, NO HANDS! Kelvin Elliott on a bright
red Massey Ferguson tractor at the Easter 10k.

Event: Massey Ferguson Tractor 10k

Location: Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry, Warwickshire.
Date: Sunday April 16, 2017

WHAT a ‘cracking’ start to Easter Sunday – with a fast, flat and traffic-free 10k race around the National Agriculture and Exhibition Centre (NAEC), Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Massey Ferguson Runners Club, the club’s annual Easter race – normally at Coventry War Memorial Park - was held on a three-lap course at the venue.

The morning looked promising, with a mild sun easing through the clouds. By the start of the race it was bright and sunny, with a mix of overcast and patches of clear blue sky. It was comfortably cool - the sort of temperature where you know you’re soon going to warm up once you get started – and very little, if any, breeze.

TRACTOR APPEAL: More club members join
Kelvin in front of the tractor.

There was ample free parking and a fun-filled atmosphere, as members of Massey’s, other clubs and unaffiliated runners gathered. A bright red Massey tractor, located not far from the famous clock tower, landmark to generations of visitors (especially when the park was home to the Royal Agricultural Show), proved irresistible – almost as much of a draw as the run itself!

The event was well organised, with marshals directing the parking, and checking-in desks and baggage area clearly indicated and well staffed. Changing facilities and tea, coffee and refreshments were available pre and post-race.

DRIVING SEAT: Oh look - it's Kelvin
at the wheel of that lovely red tractor!

The start was a short walk from the arrival point, and after a few words from Massey Ferguson’s Dave Goodwin, the hooter was sounded and we were off!

One of the challenges – especially on a flat, tarmac surface – is resisting the urge to set off too quickly, swept along by the fast pace, only to suffer later. It’s a good PB course. For some, like Callum Hanlon – first across the finish line in just 33 mins 21 secs – conditions were ideal; in fact, as he himself reported, just what he wanted! Callum's club, Leamington Cycling and Athletic Club, did well, with second place going to fellow club member Paul Andrew, with a time of 34:19.

For others, even with the favorable conditions, the time element perhaps wasn’t quite so crucial. I confess, I did have to ease up a touch when I saw road signs indicating that the speed limit was 20mph . . . Ha ha. I wish! In truth, there are points in most races where, as with many others, I have to draw on sheer will power to keep going, resisting the urge to walk, or simply collapse in a quivering heap altogether, and resort to mantra rather than muscle.

SPEEDY WIN: Callum Hanlon,
first across the finish line.

This race was no different, and I found myself - probably about three-quarters of the way through - repeating 'You can do this, You can do this, You can do this!' mentally pounding away any aches, pains, or even worse, doubt! It's amazing how these repetitive phrases seem to numb the fatigue and drive your limbs; although the sound of heavy breathing bearing down on you from behind can also give you a remarkable energy boost!

Mind you, being lapped by the likes of Callum is exciting. It’s a privilege and something to appreciate - you can admire both the skill and the stamina; even though I do put his greater speed and agility down to the, ahem, age gap!!

The surface at Stoneleigh is virtually flat for the entire route – just a very gentle slope here and there. On the run, it was also relatively quiet, apart from the robust encouragement from marshals and supporters!

On Monday evening, at a ‘trial’ run, a chorus of out-of-tune sheep and cattle erupted, like a group of wild, raucous supporters who'd been out on the town, as runners passed some barns.

LONG ROAD: Sheila and Dave - down from Hull.

There were over 350 participants, some from quite far afield. Sheila Maddison and Dave Playforth had travelled down from Hull, and made a weekend of it by also running at Leamington. Well done on your times, Sheila and Dave. Hope you had a good journey back,

Although flat, the course includes a number of sharpish turns, and I lost track of exactly where we were. The marshals became my markers. (Thanks marshals!). There were water stations at roughly two and four miles.

Part of the pleasure of running is not just challenging yourself, but taking part with others. You run as an individual, but also share the experience; and you have a special bond with other members of your club. You wear your colours with pride – and it was a delight to see, across the flat, manicured landscape, the bright ribbon of runners, weaving its way around the course.

CLUB COLOURS: Waiting at the start.

I tried to maintain a consistent pace, but my tracker (on Endomondo) shows more variation than I might have expected. You need to listen to your body but if you don’t have a watch it does raise questions about how accurate the ‘subjective’ assessment of your performance is, compared to a more ‘objective’ measurement. Food for thought for future runs, perhaps?

All in all, this was a superb inaugural event; a fitting celebrating of Massey's 40^th anniversary, and a sparkling first race in this year’s Warwickshire Road Race League.

A massive thanks are due to all involved – organisers, marshals, volunteers (not forgetting ambulance) – and, of course, the amazing runners.

At the finish there were goodies and an awesome medal which has been a sure-fire hit and which features, yes, you've guessed it - a bright red Massey Ferguson tractor!

Kelvin will be pleased!