This is a brilliant race - I've done it twice and hoping to do it this year.
Very much off road - there's just a bit of tarmac at the very start/finish, the rest is mainly sandy paths with a few rockier bits. Do-able in normal shoes, although I wore race flats to avoid turning my ankles.
Lots of climbs/descents, and a glorious view from the top. Shady forest, so well protected from sun & wind.
I got lost once, but that was because an arrow had been misplaced and the leaders were out of sight. The next year the same junction was festooned with arrows aplenty, fortunately all pointing in the same direction.
So in theory yes, you could get lost, but the course marking and marshalling is pretty good.
Well, I was going to do a 5km in Luton but was stuck at my parents in Croydon, saw this in Runners World so gave it a go... Boy that was more than I expected.
That must be the toughest race I have ever done !!! It says one lap and it sort of is but it loops back on itself a bit. Passed one water station four times ! On the last pass, I said to them "Nothing personal but please assure me I won't see you again today :-)"
V. enjoyable with hindsight - had a tough patch between 6 and 7 miles, especially as some friends had warned me of the pull uphill between 11 and 12. Having said that the last couple of miles weren't so bad and I felt good at the end, knowing that I can do better next year and as Arnie says, I'll be back to beat the 1:53 I got round in.
Agree wholeheartedly with Kelburn about the marhsalling and the organisation - the best I've seen!! Many thanks to all the helpers.
Can I echo all the comments above about the brilliant marshals. Having had a bit of a fall around the 6 mile point, the concern and support of the marshals all the way round was fantastic, kept me going with a smile rather than a grimace as I hobbled round. Plus thanks to all the runners who cheered me at the end, it was much appreciated.
I'll definitely be back to have another try as it was a great course and well organised event.
Usually I spend the last few miles of this one telling myself 'never again!', but I actually enjoyed it this time, probably because I avoided charging off like a nutter which is what I normally do and managed to save something for the second half. Very clever course, great marshalls, everyone should do this one.
Comments
The event is all off road with lots of sand & hills around the hurtwood area.
A very friendly race with lots of help from the marshalls on the way round.
Very much off road - there's just a bit of tarmac at the very start/finish, the rest is mainly sandy paths with a few rockier bits. Do-able in normal shoes, although I wore race flats to avoid turning my ankles.
Lots of climbs/descents, and a glorious view from the top. Shady forest, so well protected from sun & wind.
So in theory yes, you could get lost, but the course marking and marshalling is pretty good.
Hope I have more luck on the day itself.
Fourth time for me, each time I forget just how 'undulating' it is.
But strangely enjoyable...
That must be the toughest race I have ever done !!! It says one lap and it sort of is but it loops back on itself a bit. Passed one water station four times ! On the last pass, I said to them "Nothing personal but please assure me I won't see you again today :-)"
Agree wholeheartedly with Kelburn about the marhsalling and the organisation - the best I've seen!! Many thanks to all the helpers.
I'll definitely be back to have another try as it was a great course and well organised event.
www.mabac.org.uk/2006_slog_results.htm
Quite pleased with 37th place, Lorenzo you were 40th, another mile and you would have caught me!!
Usually I spend the last few miles of this one telling myself 'never again!', but I actually enjoyed it this time, probably because I avoided charging off like a nutter which is what I normally do and managed to save something for the second half. Very clever course, great marshalls, everyone should do this one.
Tanner - the speed you were doing as I saw you in the distance I suspect it would have taken more than a mile. Is Mr Stanley pleased with his 18th?
He hasn't stopped talking about it all week.
Quite right too.