Lesley Pymm reports from this 7 mile, all-terrain race over the Malvern Hills:
This was my second running of the Worcester Beacon Run – I did it two years ago, but it was not available last year.
My memory of the first time I did it is that it was really sunny and as we struggled up to the top of the Beacon in the Malverns there were people sitting in the sun having picnics. This year it was cooler and the views were not so good as it was quite murky up there. This is quite a good event to get support at as the run goes past St Ann’s Well three times, and that is not too far for supporters to walk from the start/finish area.
As would be expected with a start in Malvern, there are a few hills – both up and down. A lot of them are on really runnable terrain, so it is a good workout without having to worry too much about falling, although there are some parts where care must be taken. One runner was stretchered off, so best not to be complacent.
It was very windy at the top and we were buffeted quite a bit. I actually saw a woman up there who I had met on a Swim-Trek in the Norfolk Broads earlier this year. She lives in Northolt and was there with a walking group – it’s OK, I didn’t stop for a chat, just a surprised ‘hello’.
My time was 1.27.03 (my watch – I have not seen the official results yet) and I was quite pleased with this as it is 6 minutes faster than last time. Great cakes afterwards at the St John Ambulance Hall. The event starts at 3.00, so it is a good day out all round.