Flat course?

Winning line-up: Andy Jones (right), who won the event, is pictured with Gareth Lowe (left), who finished third and Ian McBride (second)

I’m inclined to disagree.

Chronicle deputy IT manager Steve Berry gives a personal perspective...

WELL, it was billed as a flat 10k but as I huffed and puffed up Higginshaw Road toward my rendezvous with The Big Lamp roundabout in Shaw I was beginning to wonder if flat was a relative term.

Okay, it was only a very short hill, but as I made my way along Higginshaw Lane and past Heyside Cricket Club the outward journey felt decidedly more uphill than flat, however slight.

It was a different story after turning left at the roundabout and heading back down Shaw Road.

This really was down hill and gave me a chance to stretch out.

The constant drizzle helped to keep me cool but also meant there were few supporters about - but those who braved the chill were enthusiastic and encouraging.

The excellent marshalls controlled the road junctions so well that traffic was never a problem on some very busy roads.

Progress was generally hampered - and only slightly - by the sheer number of runners sharing the pavements at certain points. But my own progress was affected by the haul up Salmon Fields: definitely a genuine hill!

Once back on Higginshaw Lane it was plain sailing again, with only a slight uphill along Egerton Street before the welcoming fast downhill at Lord Street and sharp right turn to the finish line outside Spindles shopping centre, which is where the crowds had gathered to cheer us all home.

Just like it’s big brother, the Oldham Mill Town to Moors half-marathon, this inaugural 10k race was very well organised by Oldham Community Leisure.

It was no surprise it became fully-booked just 30 minutes before the start - even in that weather!

This is certainly good training for the Oldham Half Marathon in October. But you’ll need to get some serious hill-training in for that one!