Ridgeway Challenge 86
The Ridgeway Challenge 86 Miles (138km) was a continuous running event that started at Ivinghoe Beacon near Tring and ended at Avebury Stone Circle. The route was 86 miles along The Ridgeway National Trail, a 5000 year old trackway through the Chiltern Hills and North Wessex Downs (along Grim’s Ditch for several miles), Barbury Castle and Liddington Castle (hill forts) en route, way marked throughout with 1929m (6328 feet) ascent 1991m (6532 feet) descent. The event hosted the UK Trail Running Championships Ultra Distance.
On a very hot Saturday 24th August RSE’s Rochelle Ravenscroft commenced her attempt on this extreme test of endurance. She completed the race in an unofficial time of 24:43:00.
An outstanding effort well done Rochelle.
Severn Bridge Half Marathon
On Sunday 24th August the Severn Bridge 10k and Half Marathon started on the Western (Chepstow) end of the M48 and crossed the closed Severn Bridge. The 10k and Half Marathon started in different places and different times but both ended at the same finish point in the event village.
Both events provided something a bit different from your average half marathon or 10k: stunning views, sea air, scenic country lanes and villages and the opportunity to participate in a unique running event on a closed motorway and across the iconic Severn Bridge.
Representing RSE was Kevin Joynes-Creed who finished the race in 2:01:48. He was followed by Linda Edwards who completed the race in 2:04:18
Great running from you both on a hot morning.
El Classico SW Trail Half Marathon
On Sunday 25th August the El Classico SW Trail Half Marathon took place in Jersey. Starting at Noirmont Point taking in some of the beautiful SW coastal paths of Jersey the route dropped into Portelet and Beauport beaches along the way, before heading Corbiere and then descending the railway walk back to St Aubins. The half marathon was 95% off road with a great mix of coastal paths and a challenging 1,100ft of elevation.
Representing RSE was Vicki Mason who completed the race in an unofficial time of 2:40:00
Well done Vicki
Narberth Nobbler
The Narberth Nobbler took place on Sunday 25th August. Known as The Big One this full marathon was 26.2 miles of stunning muddy woodland trails with 3000ft of climbing.
The route included a wide variety of terrain from road to slippy single track. It included most of the trails in Minwear woods and then extended out to Minwear Woods and the surrounding trails, some of which are along a stunning river bank.
Some old and unused rights of way were opened up to give runners the chance to run some lesser known trails. There were some tough little climbs, some ancient ruins and probably a fair bit of mud!
Representing RSE was Gareth Roberts who completed the race in an unofficial time of 5:33:00.
Great effort Gareth.
Mentioned In Dispatches
Not only should everyone who competed in a race be mentioned this week but everyone who went out running in what was very hot and difficult conditions.
However particular mention needs to Rochelle Ravenscroft. I can keep this very brief;
86 miles
Almost 2000m ascent
Just over 24 hours
Heat
Need I say any more?
Edinburgh Park Run
Pauline Tilbury – 33:11
Swindon Park Run
Elliott Gardiner – 23:13 and a new PB
Cirencester Park Run
Dave Witnall – 24:12
Ellie Taylor – 26:30
Sally Jamieson – 28:35
Witney Park Run
Claire Collett – 42:52
Tetbury Goods Shed Park Run
Felicity Crotty – 28:08
