Ultra_Tales_Issue_13

EVENT REPORTRIDGEWAY CHALLENGERIDGEWAY CHALLENGEBY RICHARD STILLIONThe Ridgeway, something in the region of 5,000years old, was a trading route spanning from theDorset Coast to The Wash in Norfolk. It is now aNational Trail in the region of 87 miles longbetween Ivinghoe Beacon, near Aylesbury inBuckinghamshire, to Overton Hill, near Swindon,in Wiltshire. This race was to finish in Aveburyinstead of Overton Hill.The first time I ran the Ridgeway was 2012 overthree days and I remember thinking to myself –could I run the Ridgeway all in one go, to which theanswer, which I vividly remember, was NO! Strangethen that a little while ago the credit card came outand I entered the TRA 86 Mile Challenge.I trained pretty well throughout the year, butsummer holidays arrived and, whether I’m makingexcuses or not, I just didn’t train very well in themonth leading up to this race. Not only running,but gym core work went out of the windowsomewhat. I also managed a cake or two on holidaywith an ice cream chaser so a little paunch wasborn. So, not the best preparation, but I felt fitenough, I’d never enter it if I didn’t.Richard StillionThe race had two start time options, one at 10amand one at midday. Tim Mitchell (RD) had put therace in for UTMB points with a delightful 3 points129 ULTRA TALES | OCTOBER 2014Sponsored by thehttp://Bloghttp://richyla.wordpress.comTwitter@RichylaRichardRidgeway ChallengeResultFinish Time24hrs 0minsFinish Position44/54 Finishers