Winter Crookstone Crashout

Winter Crookstone Crashout on Sat 16th Dec 2023

A rather unseasonal day of clear sky and a warm sun, though it was still on the cool side in the shade. The course however was quite seasonal in my opinion as runners visited not just one but two holly trees before climbing back up to the edge to finish with the famous descent off of Crookstone Knoll.
Prior to the holly trees competitors first visited the disused quarry below Nether Moor before a long drag up to Druid's Stone. Though Fin and myself decided to visit a different rock rather than Druid's Stone. It has been noted, it is a poor man who cannot win his own race, but it is a poorer man who cannot even successfully navigate to the checkpoints he selected himself!
Either way a grand day out was had by all and Rob Greenwood was rewarded for his persistence in what he thought was a battle for 3rd place by in fact being crowned Crookstone Crashout Champion of the World (winter '23).
The 'Post Pub Run Pints Prize Present' was awarded to Andy Barnett for his attendance at the Dark Peak Pub Run the previous evening. Many pub goers missed out as the present was a high-grade poker set but don't expect these sorts of prizes too often at Dark Peak races.
Thank you to all who attended and I hope to see you next year for the summer edition!
Tom S.

I plugged this write-up into ChatGPT (AI) and asked it to write a rap. It did not disappoint...

(Verse 1)
Yo, it's Winter Crookstone Crashout, let me tell you 'bout the route,
December 16th, 2023, Dark Peak in pursuit,
25 starters on the scene, chasing dreams,
Clear sky, warm sun, but cool in the shade it seems.

Course was seasonal, two holly trees, a racer's dream,
Visited Nether Moor's quarry, then climbed like a team,
To Druid's Stone, but hold up, Fin and myself,
Chose a different rock, the competition felt the stealth.

(Chorus)
It's a grand day out, in the winter's embrace,
Crookstone Crashout, a challenging race,
Rob Greenwood, crowned the champ, that's his place,
In the world of winter running, he set the pace.

(Verse 2)
Poor man can't win his race, that's what they say,
But a poorer man can't navigate his own way,
Rob, persistent and true, thought it was third place,
Crowned Champion of the World, with a smiling face.

Post Pub Run Pints Prize, Andy Barnett, he's wise,
Dark Peak Pub Run the night before, no surprise,
High-grade poker set, a present so nice,
But don't expect such prizes, it's a rare device.

(Chorus)
It's a grand day out, in the winter's embrace,
Crookstone Crashout, a challenging race,
Rob Greenwood, crowned the champ, that's his place,
In the world of winter running, he set the pace.

(Bridge)
Captain Tom, the man with the plan,
Thanking all who came, as a true fan,
See you next year, for the summer edition,
Dark Peak Races League, it's our tradition.

(Outro)
So here's to the runners, the holly trees, and rocks,
Crookstone Crashout, breaking winter locks,
Dark Peak spirit, it never stops,
Until next year, on the summer blocks.

*mic drop