I did this race in 2015 (or 2016, I can’t remember) so I knew what I was about to experience...  This time I went with @Oxongardengirl and @Carolinesandall.

This race is in Old Down Country Park, near Thornbury. It’s very difficult to get to unless you’ve got a car or can care share.

Parking on the day was straightforward and race number pick up was from the registration near the start line. There aren’t many runners, so there weren’t any toilet queues which is a first! It’s definitely a trail shoe race. Wear road shoes and you may live to regret it!

The race started at the top of the Down, about 100 yards from the on site cafe (which is lovely). It wends it’s way down hill for about 0.5km before following the outer edges of recently ploughed fields. This was muddy and wet so was hard going. After a km and after running down and then up a slippery, muddy 6ft deep dip called the travelator by the marshal, it turned up the field and then back across the top of the field. This stretch was very hard going with big sharp rocks littered all over the route.

Once through this bit it doubled back on itself but instead of sharp rocks it was shin deep mud for about a km. this bit was very draining. Once through this bit there was a short uphill section followed by a very steep hill where at one point it helps to use your hands to propel you up. This then weaves along very narrow woodland paths before opening up onto a wider section that stretches a km through the woods before a quick, winding descent back to thetravelator. From here it’s a long climb on slippery muddy paths back up to the top of the hill before about 0.5 km on a track back to the start where water is handed out in plastic cups. As it’s a two lap race you then set off to do it all again!

This is a really tricky race with many different terrain types and some really challenging sections. I love races like this because they’re so challenging and varied but can completely understand why some might not! The friendly and helpful atmosphere at Aspire races makes a big difference too. I really enjoy Aspire races so I’d probably do it again (but I might need a few years to forget how hard it was first!)