A brilliant local event in Newcastle under Lyme (Staffs) which attracts many local runners and even a few from further afield- why? The challenge of Black Bank. A 2 mile hill on the outskirts of Apedale Country Park. 

The race is organised by local club Newcastle AC and I thought they did an amazing job. Registration was easy, entry was cheap, Marshal stations well manned.

The course is not pb friendly but that’s not the point. This race is about the hill. From the start you meander for a mile through Knutton before testing your nerve up Black Bank. Just when you think you’ve got to the top, oh wait it goes round the corner.

The joy now is ‘what goes up must come down- a chance to make up time if you haven’t over cooked the incline. Meandering down hill past Silverdale Country Park and join the Wammy Parkrun route back.

A lovely medal that doubles as a bottle opener - along with a beer from local brewery and a pack of Colombian energy bars (the name of escapes me as I write this). Being vegan, most times I have to give goody bag food away but was pleasantly surprised by the ethical, naturally sourced products.