Snowy conditions greeted over 200 people for this years running of the Cardington Cracker.

The 9 mile route see's competitors take on 2600ft of ascent over some steep climbs and decents.

Heavily iced conditions underfoot made the going tough especially on some of the steep decensts that would have been more suited to a ski resort but made for spectacular views over the Long Mynd and surrounding area.

The race starts in Cardington, crossing open pasture leading gradually leading to Enchmarsh, it then follows adirt track before dropping steeply through a narrow section of woodland called Hoar Edge. The route then climbs the side of The Lawley (1236 feet) followed by a  "fast",descent is down the ridge to Comley Farm and through the fields towards Caer Caradoc.

The route up Caer Caradoc follows the greenlane along the base of the hill to the sheep pens, then takes a diagonal line directly to the summit (1506 feet).

The descent from Caer Caradoc follows the high ground to Three Fingers Rock, then a steep descent towards a stream. This proved very tricky with many competitors picking up some sore friction burns from taking the quick route on their bum.

Several less severe climbs followed before a relativly gentle trot along some fields back ot the finish.

Pete was suffering somewhat from the previous days XC race but was still pleased to finish 54th.
Celia had a really strong run to take 4 minutes off her time from last year and appeared  to be pleased with her final result.

Pete Matthews 54th 01:37:52

Celia Mills 109th 01:51:28