Today is the day. The day of the MS WALK around Birmingham in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
We (myself and the support crew – family) had agreed on some rough timings based on the start time advertised when I signed up, namely 09:00.
Yesterday, I received a message from the organisers with a start time of 09:30. This involved a slight change of plan but started with me being picked up and deposited at the start for around half eight.
I arrived at event HQ to find them still setting up – well I was about an hour early !
I chatted to a few of the organisers and was advised that the registration would be opening at nine. I took a seat and waited.
At nine, I was signed in and told to get myself a nice bright orange tee. A quick change and I was ready for the off, resplendent in the ‘company’ colours.
Nearly all of the other walkers had changed into orange including a few canine companions.
The venue was starting to fill up and I heard that the start would be at ten o’clock on the dot. I rested my legs and sat it out.
Just before ten, we were called forward for a safety talk and extra instructions for those of us doing the one, five and ten kilometre courses – the triple challenge.
After the talk, the DJ played a couple of up beat tunes and led a warm up. Not one for group exercise, I took the opportunity to visit the Portaloo for the final time.
Having spent my penny, I returned to the throng just as the last strains of YMCA were playing.
Warm up complete, those doing the 1K and the triple were called to the start and after a brief countdown, we were off.
A couple of guys took an early lead with me hot on their heels.
Leaving the park, we headed for the nearby canal (to which we’d return many times today) turning left to head towards the Sealife Centre.
From there we walked to the ‘back’of the International Convention Centre (ICC). Climbing a few flights of steps and I was at Centenary Square and the library.
After the front of the library (where groups of dancers were practicing their moves, aided by the reflective windows) another left took me back to the park.
After passing under the start/finish banner, we started the first of two laps of the 5K course. Two laps? The 10K course comprises of the 5K plus an excursion out to Edgbaston reservoir.
This lap involved walking through the city centre taking in the town hall, museum and cathedral before heading towards the shops.
When I did a recce a few weeks ago (LINK) by following the supplied .GPX, I headed along High Street and from there to the Bullring.
Strangely, the signage showed the route running down Corporation Street and then New Street. The guys followed the signed and I followed the .GPX (Distance-wise – the same).
As we headed for St. Martins, I spotted my targets ahead. I also spotted a woman with a bin full of bottle of milkshake that were been given away as a promotion. Obviously, I took one and downed the contents as I headed through the markets.
After negotiating the Chinese Quarter, we headed back towards the city centre before turning off for the Mailbox.
Again, the route arrows departed from the .GPX, this time going through the centre.
A couple of escalators gave a little relief before re-joining the canal system, this time the Birmingham & Worcester.
I did my good deed of the day, helping a young mom get her buggy up some steps before proceeding on through Gas Street and back to the Sealife Centre.
For this lap (5K) we had to cross over the cut to head back to the start. Next time around, we would carry on along the Birmingham Main Line towards Winson Green and the reservoir.
Through the ICC again, the library again and under the start banner. Then it was into Deja-Vu country heading back into the city.
As we (the two guys were still about thirty seconds ahead) approached Corporation Street, I saw them nip into Greggs for some sustenance and I was in front.
This time around, I went the other way, along New Street, and on past the Bullring and outdoor market before traversing China Town where I was overtaken.
I kept the two guys in my sights. Strangely, they stayed about thirty seconds ahead. I think that they were keeping an eye on me and went just fast enough to to keep the margin.
This time, at the Sealife Centre, I continued along the towpath, stopping briefly to be congratulated on my progress by one of the MS volunteers who also handed me sweeties.
At the recently constructed Port Loop housing development, the canal was left behind as we made our way, uphill, to Edgbaston Reservoir.
A mostly shaded path was taken anti-clockwise around the water until we reached the site of the now demolished Tower Ballroom.
On the short climb out from the reservoir, I helped a fellow orange clad walker push her buggy. She complained about the number of hill but I told her that this was the last proper hill and that it was all down hill from here on.
A bit of a jaunt through the houses including crossing the inner ring-road and we were back on the canal for the final time.
As we approached the Sealife Centre for what felt like the umpteenth time, I spotted a family that I’d seen at the start. Before the start they, he especially, were really getting into the spirit dancing and taking photos. This time, as I passed them, he was standing on a pontoon, posing for another pic.
After the Lego Centre, I crossed the canal to get to the ICC which was walked through for the final time and on past the library heading for the finish.
As I entered the park, I heard my name coming over the PA and there at the finish were my support crew complete with banners.
The gang had even got the DJ to play The Proclaimers – Five Hundred Miles and the theme from Thomas the Tank Engine to reflect my love of trains.
After receiving my medal, I bumped into the two guys and we shook hands and congratulated each other before I went around to meet my ‘fan club’.
The organisers were in on the act and got us to pose under the banner for photos.
After the festivities, we decided to nip into a local hostelry for a bite and a pint before heading for home.
Leaving the park, we passed the happy family and we exchanged congratulations.
Well done Kev, great effort!