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Dunstable 20 Mile Challenge
Thought I'd kick this thread off. One of the most memorable events of last year, and I will definately be up for the 20 again in September. Almost entirely offroad, two or three tough hills, and wonderful scenery throughout. If you like a challenge, and something a bit different from the mainstream road races, give it a go (you won't regret it).
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Glad to hear you're looking forward to the 20. Course may change slightly but hills wont!
We've added another drink stop/checkpoint at 13 miles following last years comments and we promise to mark the route better too!
See you all there
I remember you in the forum last year, although I can't recall why you couldn't make it.
Go for the 20, you won't be disappointed! Its still 2 months away so you've got time to prepare.
I ran the middle 12 miles of the 20 mile course yesterday, and the scenery was lovely infact it was stunning. If anyone is waivering over what distance to complete please opt for the 20.
I did the 10 mile at last years event and really enjoyed it, but the 20 mile course is even better.
CWJ - I also believe this to be perfect training for anyone doing Autumn marathons.
Is this run over the downs, just how hilly is it?
I am probably coming back to this one again and would recommend it for Abingdon...I did the same last year and ran 2-56-53 at Abingdon...Dunstable was a key run as it was long enough to give yourself confidence whilst also had enough hills to add the extra bit of toughness.
I hope to hook up with someone who can read maps again...last year i ran with a St Albans Strider (Paul?) who did well...although we did do 21.4 miles per his Garmin due to a few unexpected farm detours!
dont worry we will be marking the course better than last year, thanks to comments received after last year.
Each entrant will be provided with a detailed description of the course plus a route map although they probably will not be needed!
It was fine, I passed on my comments at the end of last year as there was one junction perhaps with 4ish miles to go where we missed a discreet right hand (at direction 2 o clock) offshot up a track and ended up carrying on, bearing right and running down a hill...and then back up again!!!
Jeffsy - well done on breaking 3 hours at Abingdon, I also broke 3 at Chicago. I thought we both would manage it after this run last year! Might see you again in a few weeks!
The marking wasn't too bad last year - a couple of minor detours over 20 miles through the woods/fields etc. is not too bad! Sounds like it will be even better this year though.
I wouldn't buy a pair of trail/offroad shoes just for this event but i do find the pair i have useful at certain times of the year.
Last year aside a few muddy puddles the course was fairly dry and road shoes were fine. There was also a footpath across a field that had recently been ploughed where my trainers collected most of the field but soon came of again on the next track.
What i will do is make sure i run most of the course the weekend before and report back.
Rich O
As much as anything else you get to run 20 miles so thats decent mileage under the belt. The offroad course makes it a bit tougher so once you finish this you will know how your training for Abingdon has gone.
The event is now in its second year and last year it had a nice relaxed feel to it, very like a training run in many respects except with a couple of hundred training partners to run round with.
Is this race very hilly???
Rich O
Sounds a good run to do.
Does anyone know any b and b's / hotels in the area I can stop at???
Im travelling down from Nottingham.
Rich O
Kiwi, is it right that people don't run Amsterdam marathon, they fly!!!!!!!!!
Richard - I would describe it as slightly more hilly than a.k.a. Billy suggests! I agree that you probably won't mind though because the scenery is brilliant and no one really seemed to be "racing" anyway, more like a hard training run. I was in a small group and we more or less waited for each other if one of us got dropped on a hill.
Hotels in the area you could try: Holiday Inn Express 01582 841332, The Highwayman Hotel 01582 661999, Premier Travel Inn 08701 977082, Kitts Inn 01582 662341, The Pheasant Inn 01582 662706, Old Palace Lodge 01582 662201, Travelodge 0870 1911527. All are long established and within 20 mins of school.
Hotels you could try are:
Express by Holiday Inn 01582 841332
The Highwayman Inn 01582 661999
Kitts Inn 01582 662341
Old Palace Lodge 01582 662201
Pheasant Inn 01582 662706
Premier Travel Inn 0870 1977082
Travelodge 0870 1911527
All are long established and all are within 20 minutes of School.