Welcome to the HHC, a unique race where the slowest runners start first at a time based on anticipated times given on the entry form. Awards are still given on actual times (as measured by a chip) to complete the course, but it does give slower runners the chance of being in the lead or even finishing first. Instead of the usual excitement at the start, the HHC has the excitement at the end and prizes are awarded soon after the finish whilst everyone is still there.
Let me show you the facilities and take you round the course.
The event headquarters are the new SHREWSBURY SPORTS VILLAGE at Sundorne on the outskirts of Shrewsbury. Access is off a mini island direct from the B5062 just on the town side of the A49 Bypass.
Registration is within the building, which also has showers (included in entry fee) and a cafeteria overlooking the external sports fields. There is a range of other activities available should you wish to use them after the event ( you would need to prebook). The race starts and finishes with a lap of the one kilometre cycle racing circuit where there is a good spectator viewing bank enabling the runners to be seen close to, four times as they complete and leave and return to the circuit. Similarly the runners have good views of those just ahead, who they may catch or conversely those behind who may catch them. Both encourage that little bit of extra effort.
The route then follows the The Shropshire Way along the old canal cycle way to Uffington It then crosses the road to the foot of Haughmond Hill, turns left still on the SW, passing beneath ancient beech trees to the 14th Century Abbey (unfortunately just out of view, but well worth a visit later). Also look out for the carpets of Bluebells for which Haughmond is noted.
The route then turns right for a little way alongside the B5062 before turning right onto minor road past the picnic area to the drink station at approx halfway.
Once past the drinks the route leaves the trees and the whole of East Shropshire and it’s famous landmark the Wrekin can be seen.
Turning right at the first cross roads takes you along the high level road from where the highest points in Shropshire and the West Midlands, The Brown and Titterstone Clee Hills, can be seen.
After descending a little we turn back in to the forest and have a long gradual climb to the top of the hill and continue along the top to the viewing area over looking the town. From here the whole of Shrewsbury and the finish can be seen, but it is too early to be thinking about this just yet.
If you have a moment to spare as you make the turn you will see the Breidden Hills(just in Wales) The Long Mountain, Stiperstones, Long Mynd, Caer Caradoc and Lawley. With more time to spend many more hills and Mountains can be seen as far away as Cader Idris on the Welsh Coast. PHOTO 8 HC13 Lawley, Caer Caradoc and LongMynd.
From here it is steeply downhill to the foot of the hill, turn right and follow the bottom path to complete a lap of the hill and retrace back along the Shropshire Way and complete a lap of the cycling circuit to finish, where hopefully everybody will arrive more or less together. Last year the Mens’ 81 and the Ladies’ 77 winner crossed the line together.
Thank you for visiting our website and taking a quick run round the route of the HHC
'Just a quick line to say thank you for letting me enter so late. It was the first race I have ever run in! I did enjoy the race and I thought it was well organised, especially the banana at the end!' Ian Roberts, Unaffiliated - 77:47
'Just a note to say thanks for organising such a great race yesterday. I really enjoyed this run over Haughmond Hill and it made me realise how much I miss Shropshire (used to live in Shrewsbury 20 years ago, but now in Tamworth)! Thanks also to all the marshals and helpers. Their support and encouragement all the way round the course was great and much appreciated.'
Val Lawson, Peel Road Runners - 77:33
'Congratulations! A fantastic event and I heard nothing but lots of positive comments during the day. A great day, and a great idea - really good to see the speedsters and the steadier runners, all doing the race.'
Gill Evans, Shepshed RC - 63:31
'A brief note to say how much we enjoyed the race. It was a very good course, excellently marshalled and great facilities. I liked the handicap prizes and there generally seemed to be a true handicap feeling with grouping after the descent. thanks for the effort, I know a bit of how much it takes to do it and as ever your events are so well thought through.'
Bob Dredge, Stafford Harriers - 58:27
" It made me feel that I was one of the leaders where as in fact I was one of the slowest" Fiona Shipston