The first Ridgeway Revenge Half Marathon and 10K Trail Run saw just under 300 runners tackle a new course through Wiltshire countryside on June 20.
The event was supported by Helen Browning’s Organic farm of Bishopstone. It was organised by Jennifer Hewitt and Patricia Cleverley.
This was an off-road long half marathon – 13.6 miles – run through glorious countryside using paths around Bishopstone and the Ridgeway.
Mike Wakefield of the Swindon running club The Slinn Allstars, described the run for Marlboorugh News Online: “The scenic route meandered over fields, up and down hills, past historic Ashdown House and through wild flower meadows before the ‘revenge’ – just as your legs were tiring – an unexpected quad-shredding hill at 12 miles.”
“However, it was followed by a welcome descent to the finish. The Half and the 10K race were staged by runners for runners (you can always tell) with adequate parking, water stations, marshals, toilets, chip timing and as a finisher’s memento, handmade soap. Both the Half and the 10K were run through stunning scenery that’d satisfy all from the first time off-road runner to seasoned off-road fiends.”
Fifty-three of the eighty-seven entries for the 10K race were women. It was won by Felix Wernham in 41:37.8. The first lady home was Joanna Lane (in 48:57.8) – in ninth place overall.
The Half Marathon was won by Max Harrison-Tosatto in 1:30:28.5. In second place was Andrew Ind of the Veterans-over-40 class in 1:31:37.1. First lady home was Jessica White with a time of 1:37:20.6 – in sixth place overall.
The full results can be found here.
Mike Wakefield said the event ran like clockwork – despite his own legs ‘dying’ at mile twelve: “Although I run on the Ridgeway whenever I can, I saw parts just off it I never knew existed. My club-mate Pat ran the 10K, she’s gone from being a 40 minute park runner last year to this – her first off-road run and thoroughly enjoyed her ‘move to the dark side’.”
“It was a great event, perfect for both first-time off roaders and hardened off road junkies like me alike. I wish I could make a suggestion to improve it but I genuinely don’t think you can! Well done and I wish you every success with future events – bring them on.” And he added that his wife loved the soap.
Leah Baker, who was sixth lady home in her class and just inside the two-hour mark at 1:58:36.4, loved the ‘stunning views’, but added: “That was a brutal half!”
The organisers next event is “A Trick or a Trot” Halloween Half Marathon & 10K Trail Run on Saturday, 31 October 2015 up on the Ridgeway at The Devil’s Punchbowl (appropriately), near Sparsholt. Details and entry forms can be found here. There will also be a Kidz 1K Race, ‘The Pumpkin Pace’, lots of quirky spookiness, great food from Helen Browning’s Organic via The Flying Pig, Halloween juicing, yoga and much more.
Jennifer Hewitt told Marlborough News Online: “We want to create an event for the community alongside a competitive run for the running clubs.”
Thanks to Andrew Bradley of Sarsen Photography for use of the photos.
The sheep are baaack – now attention turns to the water voles
