I am so very grateful that this race could happen. This was the third date for the event, after pandemic postponements, and I got the impression that it took a huge amount of work to be allowed to go ahead.
It is just over 42 miles, a point to point route starting at Wendover and leading in to Little Venice, London. A flat, fast race. The first part mostly tracks through fields and woods: the second part along canal towpaths into London.
Due to the time of year that we could run this race, it was warm and lovely. Normally this race is held in January, I should imagine quite muddy underfoot in parts during the first half, then maybe marginally creepy along a cold dark towpath in the second (depending on the speed of the competitor).
It was probably not my usual choice of scenic trail race.... But so so so good to be out there taking part in long distance again at last. That was a buzz in itself.
A huge point that sticks in my head about this race..... The race director waited at the finish to congratulate each competitor. I managed a quick chat with him, he touched on the difficulties of holding this event this week, due to part lifting of various restrictions. Last minute and stressful seemed to be the order of his week. But, he came up with the best comment ever - he wanted to hold this race because he knew it would make people happy. Simple as that. After everything that people have gone through recently, and are still enduring.... I love this reason. Anybody that has managed to hold a running company together through the last year, and wants to continue with events for this reason, is an absolute star in my book. You've got to support these companies for the sake of running happiness. Brilliant.
