Saturday 27 September, and once again our intrepid Dandy Duo headed to Lincolnshire for the Runaway Challenge.
The race HQ was in Skellingthorpe, a hive of activity with a busy skateboard park and junior footie practice – and the added attraction of free parking (always a bonus). Registration for the race took place at the Pavilion, complete with its fully functioning solitary toilet that was very much in demand by the runners in attendance. After a short delay to the 8:30 start time to allow the toilet queue to subside, we had our briefing and we ready for the off.
A loop around the football pitch and past the skatepark, and then onto the Skellingthorpe Walk, a former railway line so fairly straight and minimal elevation. The lack of elevation was generally matched by the lack of points of interest. Much of the trail was lined with trees, some stretches were a little more open so runners could gaze across the fields, soaking up the wide variety of both ploughed and grassy varieties. Those with an ornithological leaning might have enjoyed the pleasant sound of blackbirds and other uninteresting wildlife. The route is unlikely to trouble the rankings of the most scenic races… although our nasal senses were tweaked by a rather distinct aroma drifting in from the meat rendering plant. The “Smelly Skelly” nickname is harsh but fair.
After 2.6k, we turned and headed back, soaking up the smells, sounds and sights once again and reversed our way back to race HQ. And we had such fun, we then did it another seven times. Eight fun-packed laps and maraDan inched closer to 100 marathon exclusivity. Runners were rewarded with a nice chunky train medal, playing homage to the former train route, and plenty of sugary drinks and snacks.
Heading home, flushed with post-marathon enzymes, and enjoying the absence of La Arôme d’asticots, the duo enjoyed a little detour to see On Freedom’s Wings, a full sized sculpture of a Lancaster Bomber.
A nice friendly event, organised by Circuit Running – good value (the more laps you run, the better value it is).
Results online here – Dan ticked off marathon number 55 in 3:58 despite the course measuring long. Andy finished in 3:41.
