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South Woodham Focus
17
SALTMARSH75 TWO-DAY ULTRA MARATHON 6TH & 7TH OCTOBER
Could you walk or run 75 miles in just two days?
The Saltmarsh75 is a two day ultra-marathon, where competitors
tackle 75 miles of some of England’s most unique and stunning
coast line; the Saltmarsh Coast of the Maldon District. People
take on the challenge as a walker, a runner, or a bit of both - we
have a variety of packages to suit all, including relay and duo
options.
is the psychological challenges presented by the never ending
flatness of the Saltmarsh Coast that defeated them. Others claim
the camaraderie of other participants and volunteers make the
Saltmarsh 75 their favourite ever event.
The event, conceived by two Council employees, is also a good
test of the Council’s emergency response resources and
protocols. Owing to the remoteness of some parts of the course,
the event is supported by Rover Rescue which is part of Essex
Land Rover Club and RAYNET, The Radio Amateurs' Emergency
Network.
For further information please see www.saltmarsh75.co.uk, or
visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/saltmarsh75.
Last year’s event saw over 150 competitors come to Maldon
District to test themselves in the two day event.
Cllr Bob Boyce MBE, Chairman of Community Services, said “The
Saltmarsh 75 is a great event and a true challenge. Competitors
travel the full length of the Maldon District coast line and
discover miles of stunning wilderness and coastal towns. The
Council is proud to be able to support this event, but without
the efforts of all our volunteers it could not take place.”
Limited places are still available at www.Saltmarsh75.co.uk
Starting in South Woodham Ferrers, the 75 mile trail follows the
River Crouch until it meets the North Sea, before turning left
through the remote Dengie Marshes to Bradwell-on-Sea at the
mouth of the Blackwater Estuary. Sunday’s remaining 37 miles
run through the Blackwater’s historical towns and villages of
Maldon, Goldhanger and Tollesbury, finishing at the hamlet of
Salcott-cum-Virley.
Participants can choose either to run or walk the course, and
many do a mix of both. Some complete each day in around seven
hours while many walk until well after darkness has fallen, which
in the Dengie is very dark. Over the last few years only around 45
- 75% of participants have managed to complete the challenge
and many have returned to try again. Some participants claim it
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