Race report by Sheila:
A return visit to Sydling St Nicolas, Dorset, for Tony and me to run in the 10k trail race on Saturday morning. (We’re keeping the earlier morning marathon and Sunday morning half marathon in reserve!)
Couldn’t see the hills as it was muggy and cloudy when we set off from the centre of the village with 400 others. I don’t love a race that starts with a long uphill and the concrete path out of the village proved that! After, there were about 4km of undulating paths at the margins of grassy fields (fortunately without cattle or sheep) then there was another long climb to the top of the ridge where refreshments were available. After nabbing a handful of jelly babies (and a slice of orange for the necessary vitamins) there were another 5 km of reasonably level paths along the ridge with the lovely views finally emerging from the low cloud. The race finished with a long gravelly downhill stretch to the village green – apart from a short, sneaky stretch of unnecessary uphill!
It’s a lovely run but definitely not one for a PB. It’s also virtually 11k! Tony came in 1.12.08 (2/23 MV60) and I came in at 1.23.20 (5/28 FV60 and faster than last year so I’m happy!)
