Cadence Events Good Friday Ten Miler –
A new event for the calendar saw 300 plus runners canter round the lanes behind Stanley Park, Chippenham on Good Friday morning to earn their Easter Egg reward. Ten miles is a fab distance to run; long enough to offer a challenge but over relatively quickly and omitting the three miles of a half marathon that are always painful, so great to see an additional local race over this distance. Thanks Cadence Events.
Long Myndd Fell Race (FRA English Champs Round 1) –
A brilliantly challenging race over the Long Myndd, Church Stretton, Shropshire. Whilst the Myndd hills are relatively low in altitude, the race route provided plenty of opportunity to get to grips with the hill’s steeply sided valleys. It packed in over 3000ft of ascent in its 11 miles, most of which came in the last third with the best saved until last. The final climb over the summit of Yearlet was the equivalent of three Slaughterford 9 “Stings” on top of each other; marvelous! Brilliantly sunny weather meant fantastic views from the tops too and also meant the map and compass stayed in the bag as I could simply follow in the wake of the 350 plus runners ahead of me. Participating in an event with the cream of English fell running was a hugely daunting but inspiring experience and I was absolutely chuffed to get round in one piece, beat the cut off times and enjoy some fantastic hill country along the way.
A testing 11ish mile outing with stacks of up and down, and a super competitive field to boot. At least fine weather and my position at the rear of the field meant I did not have to worry about navigation around the tough fells of Long Myndd and could just concentrate of beating cut off times.
Full report is in the latest Newsletter
Exe to Axe –
A brute of a race with some extraordinary views’ (Runners World April 2017) sums up the 22 miles and 3000 feet of ascent from Exmouth to Seaton that form the Exe to Axe coastal run; as would hot and hilly. Jon ran a very strong race but in the warm conditions his decision not to carry water nearly cost him; Dave enjoyed a slightly more leisurely paced race. A grand outing and highly recommended.