See my FB page for photos and full review (https://www.facebook.com/rungrantosrun)
Scores above, point dropped for "race briefing" - i couldnt hear it from where i was stood (it might have been a 5/5 for all i know).
Ease of navigation - was very easy had it not been for someone tampering with signage. Not the organisors fault but thought it fair to dock a point because some runners did go off course.
Brief review
White Star Running (WSR) pulled a blinder with this race, wrangling permission to hold an event on an actual tank training ground! Bovington Tank Museum hosted hundreds of runners acting as guinea pigs for the first running of the WSR's new end of season race in this unique location. A mix of hard packed woodland trail, sharp short inclines, calf deep water crossings, sand, mud and Cranborne Chase Cider! There is too much to mention for the brief race report but suffice to say if you've got a love for gettin' off road then you will not be disappointed. WSR put on great events, whether you are a whippet chasing a fast time or new to running dipping your toe into the icy pools of trail running you'll feel perfectly at home on this event.
The rambling review
Prior to this race all entrants were warned that they were guinea pigs for White Star Running (WSR) at their first attempt at organising a logistical nightmare of a race. With multiple land agencies to deal with, restricted access and limitations on route recce times it's a wonder that this race even got off the ground! However in true WSR style the race sold out early and the pre-race banter in the WSR FaceBook group went into hyper drive! Race week, and the WSR email and FB update became progressively more tongue in cheek. Amongst the serious instructions (Don’t touch anything shiny on the route, it might kill you) were also the more light hearted (route updates incl’ photos of the WSR 4x4 bumper deep in brown water with the caption "Damp"). Route conditions got a tad more sketchy in the days preceding the race when Dorset was blessed with a downpour. Race day, arriving at Bovington Tank Museum entrance and we were treated to our first glimpse of tanks! Turret's shrouded in mist akin to some eerie movie set. The chill in the air didn’t dampen the warmth being generated by the electric atmosphere. Fancy dress was the order of the day, adding to the party spirit! father Christmas, elves and cammo were all in abundance. some more specialist outfits included some guy dressed in full sniper ghillie! Race numbers had been sent out previously so there was no registration involved, just rock up, grab a coffee or some last minute race nutrition from xmiles mobile store (http://xmiles.co.uk). 09:30am and we were off. Round the back of the museum and out on the trails. This was end of season social for me, a few mates and plodding round the countryside celebrating my 40th birthday. As such, we situated ourselves smack bang amongst the party. Conversational running pace, laughs, splashing and general high jinks. A few miles in, conversation subsided and down to the business of grinding out the miles. Onto the woodland trails, keeping an eye out for the camouflaged tanks, the sun began breaking through the mist. This gave a hint to the unexpected warm day ahead of us and making for some fantastic photos. More trail, mud, some short sharp climbs before we popped out on the tank training ground proper. Wide wet sandy trails, sitting high above the Dorset countryside, making for great views of the misty landscape below. before we knew it we had looped around and were heading back towards home. Just one WSR tradition before pushing on for the last few miles, The hallowed Lovestation. A drinks station on steroids! Mulled wine, Cranborne Chase Cider, vodka and if that didn’t float your boat, Water. Feeling peckish? Then time to chow down on homemade cakes (Gluten Free and Vegan too) alongside the usual fayre of Haribo, cocktail sausages and other nibbles. The volunteers had obviously worked tirelessly to produce a stunning array of cake and drink to cheer up the weary runners. After loitering around the Lovestation for several minutes, drinking one too many ciders, it was time to crack on. Pushing on for the last few miles, double backing on our outbound route, the finish was soon in sight. Across the line and one of the biggest, heaviest, most detailed medals by WSR to date was hung around our necks. A goodie bag stocked with a bottle of local ale, Piddle Brewery, and some Dorset Christmas flap jack! yum! This was a fantastic run, in a very unique location. Not excessively hilly suggesting fast times would be possible if you so desired. As with all WSR races an abundance of friendly supportive marshals. If this race is back next year then I for one will be chalking this on my race calendar and signing up early as sell out is guaranteed.