The first ever Shrewton Bustard 10k.
If you ever visited Stonehenge, then you would probably notice Salisbury Plain (army training area), lots of fields and trail roads.
In the middle there is a small little village called Shrewton.
Shrewton Running Club who only recently formed a few years ago are a great family feel club who decide to test themselves and stage their first ever event.
The location and parking were simple, with no queuing.
When you arrive at the HQ (local Cricket Club) you head into the Club house to pick up your race number, where you will be greeted by a happy Shrewton team. (there is also a massive selection of cakes to try) ;)
Toilets were of plenty (in the Club house and outside) and surprisingly, no queuing. A first.
Outside the Club house, where the start line is, they really put effort in and used their contacts well. Big blow up tent, and a full sound system. Really created a buzzing atmosphere for everybody. The man on the microphone was great at motivating everybody.
Race:
You start off with a lap of the cricket pitch and then led off through a car park onto London Road, then after a mile you turn left towards Salisbury Plain. Here if you’re lucky, like us, will see a series of Tanks all lined up. You continue along this road for another two miles. At the end of this road, there is a drink station. You then led up a slight incline road before you meet the ''Bustard'' of the Hill. This Hill starts on a Stoney road which has a big incline. I ran up it ok, but a few had to walk, if your good at hills, then you can really catch some people up. Once you reach the summit, you have a mile and half downhill sprint to the finish. I did love running down this hill. it wasn't steep, just perfect and smooth to cruise down (my fasted mile). When you reach the finish area, you then have to navigate another lap of the cricket ground, anti-clockwise this time and then you’re done. :)
At the finish line, they have provided table full of sweets and two options of goody bags (one that contains nuts)
The hill near the end did make a few groan (happyish ones) but it does give this race something unique about it.
What I loved, is on how organised and the effort Shrewton Running Club put in. For a small budget race, they really used their contacts well, which would easily out shine some UK big events to be honest.
Also, they took all their own photos and provided them for free by the evening. Class touch.
Hope they get another chance to stage this event in 2020.