As it says on the tin.........There's an all new holiday time race coming this year on Saturday 31st December based in Mortimer, just south of Reading. A perfect excuse to sneak away from the extended family it has to be said! 2 distances are available, a 10k or a 10 miler, dependant on just how excessive you've with the mince pies over Christmas.
The routes are two thirds off road, taking in good trails with a few muddy areas given the time of year, but nothing too nasty. What race in the world isn't described as mildy undulating, but there's a few gradual climbs, so it'll make for a genuinely testing run - perfect preparation for New Years Eve!
To enter and for further information follow The Gut Buster
Happy Running
Andy
Comments
Some of the best running i've ever done was in the snow last year!!
Yes, we're taking entries on the day. If, in ultra extreme circumstances, we have to cancel, then full refunds will be issued to each entrant. We're very much hoping it doesn't come to that!
Maybe a mulled wine & mince pie will tempt you to give it a go
Oh I agree - mostly because I couldnt get to work for a week, so had lots of time
I'll check with the purse strings tonight, then I'm in for the 10 miles.
Thanks for the speedy response
How far are you from basingstoke?
What is car parking like?
Is it trail shoes or normal running shoes?
Do we get a cuppa afterwards??
Sorry for the slow response, i've been away in Dublin for the long weekend over there to run the marathon - don't ask how it went!!
To answer your questions:-
We're approx 10 miles from Basingstoke (just over a mile from Mortimer train station)
Parking is all onsite. So new is this run that we're not anticipating massive numbers first time around, but should it be required, further parking will be a few minute walk away.
The question of shoes is a tricky one. Even at that time of year, you'd be ok for most of the route in road shoes, but you might find a few short sections a little slippy. Two thirds of each route is off road though, and this includes a mixture of pretty firm gravel tracks but also fields that might be muddy come new year.
You will certainly get a cuppa afterwards!!
Andy
Afternoon all,
Well, the entries are well and truly coming in now, which is great, but we'd to really get the numbers up for the inaugural running and see lots of you there.
Get your name down here
Did i mention the mice pies & mulled wine?
Happy Running
No, it's mice only i'm afraid, a new recipe i've knocked together!
More entries over the weekend for the Gut Buster - this is going to be great.
Myself and the guys from the office ran the 10 mile course this morning and it was gorgeous; i love running all year around it has to be said, but this morning with leaves on the ground............it was great.
Ran in trail shoes today and i'm actually pretty glad i did, so that'll certainly be something to think about on race day.
Enter here for The Gut Buster
Happ Running
This sounds brilliant, just noticed in amongst the info that you can run through a ford! Where do i sign?!
Like the sound of mince pies too
Sounds like a great way to spend a new years eve morning.
Afternoon all,
Entries have been flying in so it's possible we'll be all full up by Christmas, so i can't promise there'll be entries on the day. We're delighted it's caught the imagination of so many people.
If you're considering running it'd be worth thinking about it over the next few days.
ENTER HERE
The course is looking surprisingly good given the wet weather here in the past few days. Let's not mention the 'S' word..........................snow that is.
Happy Running,
Andy
Hi,
I'm down in Reading over the Christmas holiday break (I live in North Wales) and wondered if you had room for me in the race. I know that your website says it was 99% full as at 24th Dec but I wouldn't take up too much room!
I'm a relatively quick runner so I would be at the front of the pack and would therefore not be in with the bulk of participants.
Please let me know,
Daniel Weston
Wrexham AC
Contact Details: contactdaniel@gmail.com
Thanks Daniel - you may well have taken up our final place!!
I've just sent you an email.
Cheers,
Andy
Strictly speaking we're full now - but if you email me with your details; name, dob, address and the distance you'd like to run, then i'll see what i can do!
Andy.
Not sure how to start a new thread for today's race, so I'm adding to last year's. What a great race! Once I gave up trying to avoid mud and water it was much easier. Luckily, didn't slip over or lose my shoes in the mud. Great mince pies and mulled wine revived us at the end. Route was very well sign-posted and there were enthusiastic marshals (and mini-marshal helpers - thanks, kids!) And I got a lovely plaque and goody bag for being 1st Female 50+ (possibly the only one, but who cares?). Thanks very much to the organisers!