Lesley Pymm reports: This was one of those races that I have wanted to do for years and never got round to. I entered this year ages ago and then had an accident at Christmas and really hurt my foot. I was a bit worried that I would not manage this run, especially as they applied a cut-off to it! Anyway, I managed a bit of a build up to it and decided to go ahead anyway!
I loved it. The run started on road at the village hall in Chedworth but very soon we were off road and running along a track before climbing above the village and off into the surrounding countryside. It was undulating but all very ‘runnable’. I had no idea where I was most of the time, but marshals were cheery and encouraging and other runners were friendly.
I had already met the sweep and hoped that I would not see any more of her! I didn’t – I managed to stay ahead of her the whole time. At 5 miles there was the water crossing. It was only about knee deep but I walked it – I didn’t want to risk falling.
I started to feel a bit stiff at about 8 miles, but knew I only had two to go so it was just ‘one foot in front of the other’ as one of the marshals said.
Photo – M Tracy
The final section was on road and I managed to overtake a couple of other runners at this point, which cheered me up – especially as we had already done 10 miles by this time and the road was boring. I ran into the finish and my watch showed 10.6 miles. I was pleased to finish but really did enjoy it. It was the furthest I had run for ages and and wasn’t hurting anywhere.
The cakes were good and Mike had already bought my favourites just in case they all went! Great run, would certainly go back. We spent the afternoon looking at the Roman Villa which is well worth a visit.