← Equinox24

I've just completed this race as a 'pair' (team of 2) and we completed 19 laps in total (190k) and I personally managed 10. This is a real 'festival of running' event. From when we arrived on the Friday afternoon there was a real buzz around the site and as darkness fell, the food stalls, bar and marque came to life with music and a sense of anticipation. Friday evening started with a short 'beer run' for those that wanted to enter (entry was basically the cost of your pint) which consisted of a lap around the camping field and had huge support. The race itself is basically a 10k loop on a mixture of trails acorss fields and tarmac through the estate of Belvoir castle which sits majestically overlooking the race village from the top of a hill. The event can be as hard or as easy as you want based on the number of laps you want to achieve, the size of your team and whether you want any sleep. Whether you are a solo runner going non-stop, part of a large team running only a lap or 2, or one of the entrants into the day or nightime 10k you will get to experience the amazing buzz, support and atmosphere of running this course. Its well supported all teh way around with enthusiastic marshalls and supporters cheering you on no matter what time of day or night and the last 1k takes you around the end of the festival 'village' where many running clubs set up there tents and gazebos around camp fires to cheer on runners throughout the day and night. I loved the mental challenge of running the same course which provided different challenges both in the day and night and when the weather conditions changes (we had a mixture of heavy rain at teh start and sunshine for teh finish) and seeing how many laps myself and my running buddy could accomplish. Deciding how to spend the 1 hour inbetween each lap when I wasn't running also provided a good challenge, balancing kit changes, hydration, food and a little shut eye. The last couple of hours feel like the end of the LeMans 24 hours (for you petrol heads out there) with a mixture of excitement and respect from fellow runners and supporters as the competitors cross the finish line and have to decide on 'one more lap'??? All in all an incredible event for anyone that wants to experience the highs of an ultra (or shorter if you prefer) in a wonderfully friendly, safe and encouraging environment. Highliy recommended