Ultra_Tales_Issue_13

EVENT REPORTCHILTERN WAY ULTRADAVID, STEVE, PETER, MARK, NICKI & GLYNN LINE UP FOR THE START OF THE RACEtype of event.With just a few weeks to go before the event I hadconsidered cancelling the event especially as dropouts occurred and numbers dropped from the 25 orso in both events to less than 20. However I reallywanted this event to happen and decided tocontinue to run it as I believed it to have thepotential to be a great race and those left in therace had committed to training for it.The logistics and planning had all gone well apartfrom wanting a few more volunteers than I had, afew quick additional posts on Facebook and I had afew more awesome volunteers and we were good togo. The start/Finish venue at the Boys BrigadeRegional HQ is superb and near to HemelHempstead train station so is ideal. So comeSaturday morning after registration and kit checkthese six brave souls lined up to start the race.Just a few quick words and they were off at 9am onthe dot, Now they had a long way to go. The route is214k (133miles) over some very hilly ground mostlyon footpaths and bridleways. There are somebeautiful English villages to go through and it allhas to be done in 38hours. No easy task.Checkpoint 1 is at Coleshill and about 16 miles in, itwas crewed by Brian and Cali at a pub car park, allthe runners came through that one inside the cutoff and with David leading by only seconds withGlyn very close behind. Although it may have beendifferent if David took his Maps with him and Glyntook his water first time and they did not have tocome back to get them after 50 yards!Next was CP2 at Hambleden village car park wheredespite some impressive detours by the leading twoguys they all came in looking good although muchmore spread out. This checkpoint was run by Emikoand Maxine who did a great job of sunningthemselves waiting for the runners. The runners hadcovered about 31miles now or closer to 35 if you areGlyn. Top tip brush up on your map reading beforedoing this race and pay attention to it on the wayround as some signs are hard to see or overgrownand the map will help you pick the correct path.Checkpoint 3 was at Ewelme with 46 miles donenow and David was pushing out a good lead butalso clocking up and extra mile or three as he gotused to racing and navigating at the same time.David had a great entourage with him and theygave him awesome support all the way around thecourse. CP 3 was again run by Brian and Cali withKeith Godden fromwww.ultramarathonrunningstore.com our sponsorturning up to lend a hand before going off to run hisown CP later.CP4 was at Stokenchurch Village and it was whilst Iwas here I was informed of our first Drop, Steve whohad recently attempted the C2C race decided it wasnot his day and he got a lift to CP4 and I got himback to the start a bit later after I had made himtravel with me to the next CP to set up.158 ULTRA TALES | OCTOBER 2014Sponsored by thehttp://