Can Run Will Run: Uplifting spirit at the marvellous Monty

Runners' motorway! The athletics track at Edmonscote

Event: Monty 5k
Location: Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Date: Sunday July 21, 2019

MY first experience of the Monty 5k in Leamington Spa was a little daunting. The run starts and ends at Edmonscote Athletics Track.

If you’ve never been on a ‘real’ running track before, it can take your breath away – it’s like stepping into a vast eternal space; a motorway for runners.

The flat, soft, brick-red surface feels distinctively different to any other. I imagined elite athletes powering along at breakneck speed – and shuddered at the thought of my own huff ‘n’ puff performance.

I envisaged runners disappearing in a cloud of smoke, while I was left standing wondering what the heck just happened.

However, I soon met up with club-mates, and the sense of anticipation thankfully outweighed any uncertainty. The race has since become one of my favourites – a regular fixture - and today’s was my fourth.

The Monty 5 is a low-cost competitive race in the Warwickshire Road Race League (WRRL) – just £5 for WRRL club members and £7 for unattached athletes and members of clubs not affiliated to Warwickshire County Athletics Association.

There are no medals or awards. You just get out there and do your best!

The course is described as ‘very flat and very fast.’

That’s all relative, of course. It is a fast course, and there are some super-fit fast runners. Finishing times for the impressive first two across the line, for example, were: Ian Allen (Spa Striders) - 16:24 and Rob Michaelson-Yeates (Knowle and Dorridge RC) at 16:30. Stanley Doxey (Kenilworth Runners) came a close third at 16:33.

For others, as one participant pointed out, it’s more or less usual parkrun times, with hopefully a sprinkling of PBs.

It’s an enjoyable, multi-surface route - track, grass, shale and tarmac - starting with a lap and a half around the all-weather track then heading towards Leamington town centre though Victoria Park. At the edge of the town you return alongside the river Leam for a second lap before heading for what is described as an ‘Olympic-style’ finish, with a lap of the track.

I like the ‘Olympic-style’ touch. Allows you to feel very Mo Farah – even if your performance isn’t quite on a par!

After leaving the athletics track, you run on grass before entering the next section for the double lap through a wooded walkway in the park and road/pavement surface over the River Leam. The varied environment breaks up the route and adds interest, making it seem to go quite quickly.

You run across the grass again at the end – quite draining – before that final Olympic lap.

It was pleasantly warm for this year’s event. I love the pre-race atmosphere, registering, pinning your number to your top, meeting your running buddies, chatting to other club members. It’s a thrill to see a ‘gathering of the clubs,’ especially on a gorgeous sunny day.

A problem with any run is setting off too fast. Sometimes it’s difficult to resist that energetic surge forward, spearheaded by the top runners. On a purpose-built track, this can become even more difficult, as the surface helps you with that speedy getaway – especially when the crack of the pistol startles you into action!

I heard more than a couple of runners report that their start had been too quick, and they later had to adjust their pace.

Even for someone in the middle-ish range, the run was soon over and the battle was on to the complete that remaining lap of the track, with its 10-lane home straight.

A demonstration of club spirit and mutual respect came when inspirational Massey Ferguson member Sara ‘Sally’ Slevin, in the L75 age category, crossed the line as the final runner, to rapturous applause and encouragement from an appreciative crowd.

As always, the Monty 5, hosted by Leamington Cycling and Athletics Club, was brilliantly organised, with plenty of marshals and support. Water is provided at the end of the race and you can buy refreshments. A big thanks to all involved.

This is a friendly, welcoming event, with uplifting atmosphere and attractive course.

When I stepped on to that track at my first Monty, my breath was taken away in a heady mix of awe and wonder.

It still takes my breath away, but now even more with the delight, excitement – and privilege – (not to mention simply gasping for air at the end!) of taking part.

Perhaps I could shave just a little off my time for next year – ready for that glorious Olympic-style final lap!

And for some fast times, the first three men and women finishers:

Men:

1) Ian Allen, Spa Striders - 16:24

2) Rob Michaelson-Yeates, Knowle and DorridgeRC - 16:30

3) Stanley Doxey, Kenilworth Runners -16:33

Women:

1) Natalie Banghal, LeamingtonC&AC - 18:35

2) Laura Fuller, Leamington C&AC - 19:04

3) Marie Matthews, Kenilworth Runners - 19:15

Below, snaps from the day: