English
Eltham Park 3.5 KM
Having arrived back from Disneyland, Paris the previous day, our little family were tired and weary when we went to bed on Saturday night. I had a pretty restless night and woke up at around 5am (still on Mickey time) to heavy rain. I thought to myself there is no way Alfie is going to want to get up and go for a run in that. Fortunately when I woke later at 7 am, the skies had cleared and we looked set for a glorious day.
There were 5 of us taking part in the 3.5 KM event this year, myself, Chris (13), George (12), Jack (6) and Alfie (5). The event is one of a series of 3 on the day, organised by the New Eltham Joggers, the others being a 5 mile run and 1 mile fun run.
The 3.5KM fun run was the first event of the day. This was the longest race for all but me and so our target was simply to finish and avoid walking if possible.
The course took us through the pretty woodland of Eltham Park. The guys really enjoying the novelty of trail running, as they had only taken part in road races before. I think this lack of familiarity and the distraction of the woodland really helped them along and I was surprised at how they were running, especially our little ones.
Our pack was spread out a little by the time we crossed the line, with Chris finishing 1st in 20:58, followed by Jack, Alfie and I in 21:43 and George in 22:18.
“Can we pose like rappers?” “Well, yes, I suppose so…”
There was a little confusion with the race results however Janet Cobby at New Eltham Joggers was very efficient at putting this right. In doing so, we found out that Alfie was not only the fastest 5 year old on the day, but also the only 5 year old to have ever entered and completed the race. Legend.
North Downs Run
I have read lots of hype about many races, only to turn up on the day and be disappointed with one thing or another. The North Downs 30K Run, organised by Istead & Ifield Harriers is one of the few that has delivered on its promises.
I think I realised that it would do when I came off the A2 and saw a little yellow sign instructing me that the “NDR” was this way. At each junction for the next 2 miles, the same thing. Clearly, a lot of thought and care had gone into the administration.
On arriving at Cascades Leisure Centre where the race began, I was guided into a parking sport and then followed the signs to the Race HQ. The days events boasted a family fun run (sadly the rest of the team had other plans) and there was a buzzing and lively crowd at the start.
The race started at 10:30 precisely (the published start time, when does that ever happen?) and the crowd of 500 participants began the circuit around the sports field before entering some of the best countryside that England has to offer.
Does trail running get any better than this?
I had chosen to wear my Pearl Izumi Peak X-C Shoes on the day. These trail shoes provide excellent support and grip over all types of terrain and the rubber stone guards protectors absorb and disperse all the nasty little stubs that can accumulate when on the trails for any period of time.
A mile or so into the race I spotted something which brought on a double take but was soon to become a regular feature of the race. A disrespectful fox had done his business on the path however, some thoughtful soul had sprayed this bright orange. This hazard, along with every raised tree root and stump along the 30km course, as well as red and white tape tied to all the low hanging branches showed that somebody really cared; you have to hand it to these guys; the race is set up with the runner in mind.
What was also hugely apparent was the standard and support of the marshalling. There was not an intersection on the course which didn’t have a smiling marshal in bright yellow attire giving encouragement and guiding you on your way. Apparently there were 80 of them out there and each one of them did a startling job.
The longest procession of runners you will ever see?
It being an incredibly hot day, I was a little concerned that there would not be enough drink stations. On the 2 or 3 occasions when I felt in need of a drink, I would turn the corner and run into a well manned drinks station. Not only was there plenty of water, but also sports drinks, jelly babies, fruit, sponges and lots of cheering and supportive helpers and children.
This combination of stunning countryside, fantastic course management, great support from participants and the organisers alike provided me with a wonderful sense of well being and made this my favourite event of the year; in fact it’s way up there on my all time list. There wasn’t an occasion throughout the entire 30K when I didn’t want to be out there; I was inspired, in high spirits and enjoying the simple experience of running.
The North Downs Run: Britain at it’s best.
With 5km to go I started to receive text messages from fellow runners who were out doing different things. There was a mixed bag, with some struggling with injury, others suffering in the heat but all seemed to be glad to be out there doing it. All I could do was send them a picture of myself coming up one of the merciless hills in the Shorne Country Park.
Spurred on by the thought that if I didn’t speed up a little I was in danger of being sprayed orange, I picked up the pace and drove for home. I crossed the line in 2:43:25, 76th out of 428 finishers and really happy with the performance.
Smiling in the face of adversity
I’ve got some heavy training to do prior to taking part in the 50 mile challenge on 19th July. Depending on where I am in the country, I will try to supplement this with a couple of races but haven’t committed to any as yet. So, if anyone has any suggestion…
Finally I must say thanks to the “Unknown Runner” who very kindly handed my lost phone in to Cascades; final proof that running does make you a better type of person.