This was my first event where the time, not the distance, was pre-determined. Starting at 09:00, we ran loops of 3.3 miles. The last loop needed to be started by 16:45 and finished by 17:30. I thought I wouldn’t enjoy the challenge but was wrong. The event was v inclusive since everyone chose their own goal, be it 3 laps, HM, M or run for the entire time available (I was in the latter camp). One downside of this though was finding people to talk to who were running at or near to my pace as the time progressed.

Course was flat and a mix of fields & tarmac. Road shoes were absolutely fine.

Being a loop course meant I carried v little. A huge bonus. I used the feed station at the start / end for my hydration & food. Plenty of flat coke, squash & water was available at the stop. Food supplies were reasonable (sweets, crisps, sausages, fruit) and got me through when combined with a few gels. A bit of variation over the 8 hours would have been a good touch. Energy bars would have been appreciated (to be fair I had some in my bag in the bag tent but didn’t want to take the time to retrieve them). Hot food and drinks were available from the pub for those on less of a mission than I was.

Living locally I know the route well. It is scenic (canal, fields, view of the Cathedral in the distance) but after 14 laps, scenery isn’t top of my mind. You seen it all before.

With the start / finish being based at Double Locks pub there was ample outside space for people to relax as they finished their race or waited for their relay partner. This made for a friendly atmosphere.

A nice tough to be presented with a Cream Tea at the end. After a day of eating sweets. I saved mine for the following day.