As with all Aspire events that I’ve done, registration was straightforward with plenty of email updates. I’d signed up for the 15km race with @carolinesandall and looked forward to the flattest Aspire race i’ve ever done! There was  a 7.5 km event starting at the same time (as well as several small races for little kids that started beforehand).

There was plenty of parking at the Stothert & Pitt Rugby Club and registrationwas inside the clubhouse. There were plenty of toilets with no queues!

The race started from near the clubhouse and went around the rugby posts, through a hedge, around another field and then out onto the trail near the river.

From there it weaved through some wheat fields which had to be run in single file owing to the narrow path. This was a bit of a pain because you couldn’t get around people. Once through the field there was a few km alongside a dual carriageway before turning on to the Bristol and Bath Path. After a km the route heads down some steps onto a small track, through a few fields and then back on the path again for another km. The route then turned off the path on to a riverside track which followed the river for a few km back to the club and then a small lap around the field. For 15km runners you then do the full circuit a second time.

It was an absolutely roasting day and running in those fields with radiating heat and uneven terrain was a challenge. For the first lap there was a water station at about 5km but it did feel like it wouldn’t be enough for two laps because of the heat. The Marshalls our on the course recognised this and set up impromptu water stations all the way around which was absolutely fantastic. It was great to see organisers adapt to the weather like that.

The medal for finishing was really nice as usual and the table full of fruit, chocolate and crisps was much appreciated. 

I’ve done most Aspire races and every one has been fantastic, well organised and a cracking challenge and this was no different. I’d definitely do it again.