Compulsive marathoner, Dan Ashcroft reports
Fox Challenge – It’s just not London!
On Friday 3 May, the Fox Challenge took place at Sywell Country Park, Northamptonshire, which was a far cry from the London Marathon twelve days earlier. This is one of the 6 hour timed, lap format events which is organised by Big Bear Events, all of which are named after an animal. They take place on weekdays to accommodate those people who cannot run at weekends.
The course can best be explained as Carsington’s little brother or sister, as these things are generally not gender specific. Starting from the visitor centre, it is all compacted trails, but the hills are not quite as steep or as plentiful which skirt the 3.2 miles circumference of the water’s edge. Conditions on the day were good, with rain eventually arriving three and a half hours into the race.
To complete a marathon 8 laps are required, as well as a short out and back section at the end. Dan Ashcroft enjoyed the serene surroundings, completing 8 laps together with the out and back section in 3 hours 53 minutes. All finishers receive a medal, distance badge, flapjack and choice of beer or apple juice.