Mark Elwis reports:
Mark Elwis undertook his annual pilgrimage down to the Cotswolds last Sunday 20th November for the off road trail half marathon in the beautiful village of Broadway.
The race started with a sharp 750 feet climb in the first mile and a half up through fields and to the top of the escarpment at Broadway Tower, and after a brief couple of miles flattish respite followed a sharp descent back down through Broadway Wood, before the rotters had us turn and again climb back up another 600 feet of lane before crossing fields, woods and trail paths for the next few miles. There then followed another steep descent through more woods and boggy sections where the now obligatory face plant was successfully implemented. We then passed through the beautiful Stanton Estate across undulating and somewhat wet and boggy fields back to Broadway. One last steep “sting in the tail” hill was safely climbed before a fast last mile or so back down before a tarmac finish into the village.
Don’t let anyone tell you the Cotswolds is flat, this tough little race ascends 1860 feet and has some challenging off road trail running for all.
A great course, well-marked, marshalled and organized, makes it an enjoyable day out.
I managed to bag 6th place overall and 1st old fart in a time of 1:48:46, 5 minutes quicker than last year (but 5 minutes slower than my PB doh!!)
The overall winner was Richard Liggatt – Stratford-Upon-Avon AC in a time of 1:40:30 and the 1st lady home was Emily Orton in 18th place in 2:01:35
Well worth a look at for anybody that enjoys off road trail running.
They also host an off road trail Full Marathon for those wanting the extra distance and elevation (3150ft) which follows the same course as the HM but splits at 8 miles and does a loop around Winchcombe before rejoining the HM course at the same point and completing the loop back to Broadway.
