Marlborough Downs Challenge race report (Brett)

I have finally got round to doing a race report on a race we did a few weeks back - I have been to busy enjoying the good weather!

Recently Hannah, Barney and I ran the Marlborough Challenge (http://www.marlboroughrunningclub.co.uk/downchallenge.shtm) which is a 50km trail run.

I had not planned to run the race as I have not been training for a while due to various commitments; and with the weather being rather cold and wet I thought it would be best to not run it.  However when the forecast said it was going to be a glorious day I just had to do the run. So having done only 3 weeks of training I was already getting back into running ultras!  Plus, having Barney and Hannah dragging me around, I was sure the day was going to be a goodie.

Having recently changed my diet to exclude dairy, refined sugars and other such pleasures I was intrigued to see how the body would hold out.

We started the race rather conservatively as Hannah’s plan was to be “take things easy and then at mile 20 - Bang!!!”.  In hindsight (which is frequently the best sight) we started far too slowly as we let everyone go ahead of us on the various single track paths and stiles – therefore, we got caught behind some people who were wearing new road running shoes and weren’t keen to get them dirty.  It was a trail run after much rain….enough said!!!  However, after the second checkpoint the field and paths opened up so that we could get into a solid stride with Barney being the pace-setter. This was our routine for a number of miles while observing the stunning scenery between Marlborough and Devizes.

Once we passed half way and left Devizes heading towards Avebury we got into our usual stride.  However, just after 26 miles the markers disappeared and we could see a number of runners standing around trying to work out which way to go. This was where Hannah stepped up to the plate magnificently and took charge of the situation and become our navigator. It’s interesting to note that the top guys felt that having one section of navigation makes a difference as it ensures that the trail runner has to have an additional skill – it could potentially slow someone down if they are continually looking at the map or getting lost.

Once Hannah had saved the day, Barney set the pace which allowed us to drop the guys who were using Hannah as a navigator. We managed to maintain a decent rhythm which ensured that we finished the race just over 6 hours and were presented with a locally made mug (which we do actually use).

There were definitely a number of learnings which we could take from the race:

1. Trail running is about just being consistent and enjoying the scenery (it also helps take your mind off how far you are running).
2. The body held out well having not had milk, sugars and coffee for a few weeks.
3. Running in a group only works if you have run together before and are happy to help each other through tricky moments (the three of us had been doing all our weekend training runs together).
4. Always make the most of the feed stations – not only to get your money’s worth but also to regroup slightly and set the plan for the next section.
5. No matter where you are racing/running in the world the marshals do appreciate some light banter and thanks from the runners.