← Dirt Half Challenge
With the start being just 5mins from where I live, this is a race that always features on my race calendar. The organisation is excellent with lots of info and communication from the organisers both by email and social media in the run up to the race. The race HQ is in one of the halls where you can also leave your bags. It’s a non-secure baggage area but there’s plenty of people still around in the hall getting the tea and cake ready whilst the race is on!
Race start is at 10am and begins out on the school field where you do a loop of the field before heading out onto the canal towpath. It can get quite narrow in places along the canal so if you’re looking for a quick run I’d suggest starting further forward so that you’re not crammed in when you get onto the canal, although with the loop of the field this does help a bit to spread everyone out.
The first 6 miles are nice and flat along the canal before you leave it at Stoke Hammond and go off road along a farmer’s track where you hit the first climb, a 1km uphill drag on a mix of mud, gravel and sand, therefore trail shoes are recommended. Once you reach the top at Great Brickhill it’s then a short run along the road, grabbing a drink from the water stop if needed, before heading straight back downhill through the beautiful Rushmere Country Park, just watch out for the tree roots and slippery leaves!
Having successfully navigated your way through the tree lined route of Rushmere, you then cross the road before making your way back into the woods for a short while running alongside the road before turning left and climbing a short grassy hill to some more trees and wooded scenery for a mile or so. Once out of the woods it’s a 90 degree turn over a cattle grid and into a farmer’s field. The conditions this year were pretty good but it can be VERY boggy if the day’s before the race are wet! A couple of wooden bridges to cross on your way back to the canal and a word of warning, SLOW DOWN, the bridges are very slippery!!
You’re back onto the canal heading to the finish for the last couple of miles where you’re given your well earned medal, a nice chunky one this year, and a drink. There’s a large selection of cakes and food as well as hot drinks on offer in the hall after and is well needed after a cold and wet run like the Dirt Half!
Overall a well organised and well supported race with lots of marshals along the route and well signposted. Another bonus is the free photos available afterwards too! If you’re looking for a winter run that’s a bit different to your normal road races I highly recommend this, you won’t be disappointed.