"There’s no hills in Allendale, only bumps", at least that’s what the back of the T shirt said. I remember scoffing that “it’s not a hill unless there’s mud and some rocks” and being promptly told where to go by several sweaty runners at Allendale.

Well in Richmond, there are hills – sans mud and rocks. These were certainly hills in every way you’d imagine; short, long, steep and gradual. However, in true Quaker fashion this didn’t stop the club descending on the picturesque market town of Richmond for the Hilly (pun not intended... probably) Richmond 10k. Entry to the event was limited to pre-entries as the prerace limit was reached on Thursday, but even with around 500 runners present it was easy to get packed near the market square.

In the market square there were lots of runners milling around the shops and stalls and in the village hall, preparations were well underway for the beer festival which follows the race.

There was a healthy buzz amongst the runners who were present and loads of friendly faces from the club. Bemused shoppers stood by and watched runners doing all kinds of prerace warm up stretches and movements. I must admit to eeking out a giggle watching two women doing what can only be described as hula hooping outside a tea shop.

The race started at 11:00, relatively promptly as we were held up first by a walker and some miscommunication of whether it was “safe”. But the race set off with a bang and we flew quickly down the cobbled hill, the first kilometre was all downhill and I ended up doing it 20 seconds quicker than 5km pace! It was very steep – remember that for later!

What comes down unfortunately, has to come up. We then had two very tough hills to climb and it sapped the energy from my legs and ruined the lead I’d built up from the first downhill km. The scenery was beautiful and varied; a stark contrast to the more urban 10k races. It certainly suits me to be out in the countryside with some hills to climb.

We headed out to Catterick, with the enthusiastic and supportive marshals alternating like the coalition government.

“Keep left”

“Keep right”

(...I’ll get my coat.)

The traffic was calm and infrequent, which was very reassuring and I was never ever concerned by the cars around me. Although I do concede that running this race without an iPod was advisable.

There was a water stop at 5km, which was gratefully received. There was also a former press officer and regular race runner, Phil Rutter, at 8km.

The course altered constantly in gradient and every steep climb was followed by a fast descent, we then started to near Richmond on the way back and my watch beeped for the final 1000 metres. Having ran this race before I knew that the final home stretch was up the hill we descended at the start. Turning into the Market Square I was physically spent and totally shattered, but my spirits were lifted by a massive cheer from the crowds. Team Roy was there and shouted my name and several people shouted “come on Quaker!”. It was a massive boost and I staggered up the cobbled and through the arch to the finish.

I wasn’t entirely sure where exactly the finish was, but there was nothing in my legs left to sprint so it wasn’t that much of a concern.

The goodie bag was a bottle of water and a nifty hilly branded running cap. If I use it half as much as the toiletry bag we got in 2008, it’ll be an awesome prize! It was nice to get a different prize from the usual t shirt or medal.

After the race, I cheered in more Quakers and then got changed and went straight into the beer festival. Sod goodie bags, if you’re going to organise a race, give me a beer festival after the sweating. I replenished my fluid and carb levels with four good pints, which then rendered me a little wobbley for the rest of the afternoon.

Race Verdict: The Hilly Richmond 10k certainly lived up to its name and is well worth a jaunt next year!

Pros

• Hills, both up and down hill
• Calm and well managed traffic
• Challenging home stretch with  great support
• Good alternative prize at the end!
• Beer!

Cons

• Members of the flat Earth society need not apply