N Shrops Special Olympics Group W Mids XC Trefonen

The weather was kind and the sun shone for the 90 or so competitors from such places as Wrexham, Sandwell, Dudley and Birmingham all keen to flex their muscles and run round the beautiful track at the back of Trefonen School. There was a real mix of ages and abilities but all shared the same excitement and enthusiasm.

8 Rotarians reported for duty along with 2 Oswestry School Interactors all under the guidance of Mike Jones. Tea/coffee and cakes were very welcome on a chilly October morning!

The N Shropshire Special Olympics committee then took over and deployed the volunteers around the course and we waited for the off! There were 3 short races round the field followed by 2 more challenging 3-mile ones taking in part of the North Shropshire Footpath at the head of the old  Trefonen pit. Some competitors were in running-vests and spikes and obviously extremely fit!

The main job of the marshals was to encourage the runners - I clapped and shouted till I was hoarse, but what a difference it made when someone was flagging and they heard voices urging them to keep going.

Each runner was given a well-deserved medal and a great time was had by all.

Well done everyone!

Jayne Middleton