Runners descend on Cannock Chase for annual Trig Point race - with pictures and video

Runners from Staffordshire and beyond descended on Cannock Chase for a testing race through Staffordshire’s scenic countryside.

By Thomas Parkes

Published Jan 13, 2020

Last updated Jan 13, 2020

Start of the Cannock Chase Trig Point Race, at Milford Common, Stafford

A total of 140 runners took on the Trig Point race on the Chase – a popular event on the running calendar – to see who would finish first.

They were asked to plot their own way between the points and could choose their own routes through the trying conditions.

And depending upon the route taken, the runners roughly covered around 16.5 miles – with some 540 metres of it uphill.

The route took them to the rifle range, through Marquis Drive to Castle Ring and back via Brereton Spurs. Paul Jones took top spot with a time of one hour and 52 minutes, with Huw Davies second two minutes later and Virgil Barton in third with a time of one hour 57 minutes.

Taking part in the Cannock Chase Trig Point Race, at Milford Common, Stafford

Taking part in the Cannock Chase Trig Point Race, at Milford Common, Stafford, (left-right) Martin Rouse, of Milton Keynes, and Richard Anthony, of Stafford

Organiser Bob Dredge, from Mercia Fell Runners Club, said: “It was a good race, everyone is back in one piece and it didn’t rain too badly.

“I was pleased with it. Numbers were down a wee bit from last year but it seemed to make a much nicer feel to it.

Getting ready for the start of the Cannock Chase Trig Point Race, at Milford Common, Stafford

“Everybody seemed to enjoy themselves - they came back extremely muddy and tired, but happy.

“I would like to say thank you to the runners and everyone involved.”

Taking part in the Cannock Chase Trig Point Race, at Milford Common, Stafford, Neil Wilkes, of Stourbridge, and Mel Price, of Church Stretton

Mr Dredge said it took a “lot of time” to organise the race but said it was worthwhile.”