Robbie Webster Wobbler

Race Report by Simon Edwards

Wednesday 3rd June – Robbie Webster Wobbler

The prospect of over five miles of undulating scenic woodland enticed over one hundred runners to make their way to Helsby on a sunny, warm and tranquil evening for the third open running of the Robbie Webster’s Wobbler.

Buckley were well represented by ladies Alice, Hazel and Hayley and gents Jez, Dave, Simon and Justin. With little warning the race started at the base of the hill; the fleet of foot racing towards the woods to gain vital seconds before the paths narrowed. For the next hour the mainly undisturbed woodland were subjected to the pounding (occasionally squelching) feet of runners pitting themselves against the Wobbler.

Whilst a course description for the unenlightened might sound useful this would be a fruitless and long-winded affair. Suffice to say the course was a masterful display of making the very best use of a compact area to produce a challenging course. It offered around 1200 feet of climbing through the fields and woodlands of a 450 feet hill!

The majority of the trail was in the shade of the woodland offering some respite from the warm sunshine which many runners appreciated. However the downside was that hazards abounded: small rocks; gnarly roots; sucking mud; slippery steps – and lots of low hanging branches! The constantly undulating trail was incredibly well marked – hanging tape and pinned arrows frequently appearing to ensure no one got lost and all enjoyed the “five climbs” kindly devised by the race organisers.

The finish at the monument eventually appeared and runners mingled to chat to the delight of the local midge population. No official results available as yet; though Jez zoomed to 2nd overall and Justin finished a creditable 19th (no junior age category unfortunately). The rest of us? We all relished our respective plods around the twists and turns earning our right to savour the homemade cakes on offer back at the social club later.