Branches & Bays 10k Trail Run 20th August 2017.
A small number of Striders took part in this event, a mixture of first timers and those who had ran it before. So here I am as one of the first timers, naive and ever so slightly hungover from birthday celebrations.
Not an event to think of 10k PB’s or trying to run it all the way round, it’s one fantastic achievement if you can ??.
Only 1/2 mile in and we were single file waiting patiently to go through a gate which led on to a single person width path running through trees and woodland.
Eventually you reach a steep descent down Mount Everest onto a beach for a short run before a steep climb back up Mount Everest for a short run before descending yet again via steep stone steps onto a shingle beach ?. The gravel steep track at mile 4 was unreal, hiking boots, rope and a pick axe are required. Bring plasters for your grazed nose.
The jelly babies and water at the top were a godsend.
Finally, a nice trail path leading back to the finish.. also deceiving because at 6 miles you think ‘yay’, almost done… then it’s a run through more woodland (this went on for so long I thought Suzanne & I had got lost)! Suddenly the gate from the start of the race, then the road to the finish appears ??
A great training run.. the 6.6 miles I logged were as tough as a 10-13 mile run. It was a lovely sunny day, the breeze just right. Lots of opportunities to take photos and selfies (why not) it was a welcome change from the marathon road running many of us are participating in ?. The medals are great, as are the car stickers, wrist bands and bandanas.
As usual we had the customary cake and drinks at the finish. ?☕️.
The event was well organized and the route had supportive marshalls keeping you going.
This event had a bit of everything, we each got something out of it. (Especially photographs) ?
It’s a great event, one I highly recommend. Loved it ?
