Notes
Well, first for the positives. Convenient on way to pick up mum from knee operation; lovely trails, some muddy, mostly fairly dry and sandy; rolling, fairly tough course; started as planned sensibly in 5th but keeping in touch and gradually I moved through to take the lead between 5 and 6km. Fun to lead the runners against the flow of fun runners on the out-and-back section of the course, feeling like the London Marathon leaders!
The real story was that the early leader went off course at 2km and we never saw him again (marshal in chair was not quick to respond!), and then I led the next two astray at 8km, ran an extra loop with the finish in sight before we were ushered back round. I finished in time to see the three winners having their photos taken! I managed to say nice things at the end. I was well matched with the guy just next to me - would have been a good race ... 5th?