The Druids Challenge
The historic ridgeway is the perfect place to explore for a runner, following the national trail signposts for miles of valleys, woodland, downland and picturesque views. For those that are accustomed to an ultra (or two!), the Druids Challenge crosses 86 miles of the landscape across 3 days – accommodation, evening meals, showers, breakfast, food and drink at checkpoints, and evening speakers are provided for entrants, meaning they can full focus on the ultra at hand.
Taking on his 13th ultra of the year, and the full 3 day challenge, was Mark Manley, who completed the course in an accumulated time of 15hours 50mins, making him 4th in his age group!
Lesley Hinsley joined Mark on the third day, completing 29 miles and finishing 1st in her age group for the day!
Ultra#13 for 2022 down my wonderful Ridgeway – this sort of thing really plays to my sense of adventure and devilment. Mrs Motivator Lesley maintained my spirits on day 3 after 2 days on my lonesome.
Mark Manley
I did the Druids day 3 today, last 29 miles from Wantage to Wroughton along the Ridgeway to support Mark! This was the 1st ultra I did last year and my 9th in the last 12 months. And I love it! All down to Mark’s great coaching skills and encouragement. Mark did all 3 days. What a legend! The weather was perfect. Looking forward to many more Ultras next year. Got the bug!
Lesley Hinsley
Incredible running from both of our Ultra pros!
Sodbury Slog
When a race’s tagline is ‘Just don’t swallow the water’ and the website states ‘Forget roads – they’re for wimps’, you know it’s going to be a fun but tough and messy challenge. Starting at Chipping Sodbury School, the course starts in the centre of the market town before heading through the muddy, hilly, obstacle-filled countryside. Each year the race is held on Remembrance Sunday to commemorate the fallen.
Running for RSE was Zoe Markham-Lee, who finished in a brilliant time of 2:25:16!
10 miles through a sheep dip, lots of mud and cow poop. 2 miles from the end you go into the trough full of mud. Not a PB course as you have to wait to get through some of the mud! The mud went through my leggings!
Zoe Markham-Lee
Excellent running, Zoe!
parkruns
Curl Curl parkrun
- Anne-Marie Davies – 27:25
Colby parkrun
- Ollie Hazel – 21:42
Cirencester parkrun
- Dylan Boreham – 23:00
- Ben Chapman – 23:24
- Jon Campbell – 24:34
- Phil Southworth – 25:01
- Caroline Jones-Creed – 32:26
- Kevin Joynes-Creed – 32:27
- Elaine Chapman – 35:11
Stratford Park parkrun, Stroud
- Cathy Steer – 35:28
Central parkrun, Plymouth
- Darren Jenner – 26:13
- Felicity Crotty – 34:27
Save the Date!
Dates to add to your diary:
- Saturday 28th January 2023: Annual RSE Awards evening
- Sunday 11th June 2023: Fairford 10k
