What a difference a week makes - last week I was doing all I could do to keep dry, this week I was slapping on the sun cream as I  headed out the door.

Five BVHers tackled this lovely picturesque mildly challenging race.  Setting off from local sports pavilion much of the race wended its way through leafy lanes, and with the heat the leaves were very welcome.  Tough from 3 - 4 as there was no shade, and the shimmering heat rose from the tarmac.

The water stations were a little oddly placed - I have never licked my lips so many times, I nearly asked a marshal for some water as was getting desperate between 2 and 5 miles. 

Mile 7 takes you round a lake - I had been looking forward to this, however the terrain was very hard and undulating which completely threw your pace out of sync. Then just when you thought it couldnt get any worse, turning just past 8 miles a cheeky little hill played havoc with my quads.

Lots of great support from locals - I deliberately ran through at least 2 hoses.  Aimed for sub 85 mins - gut churning mega sprint at the end, 84.59.

Surprised that more of the club didnt try this one, its less than 30 mins drive. Would thoroughly recommend for next year.

Lesley B

Results to appear here. Photos from Marianne's husband here.  Photos here.