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BlogUpdate – Ridgeway Recce July 11th and 12th
Over the
weekend of the 11th and 12th Anna and I ran the 2nd
and 3rd stages of the Druid Challenge Ridgeway Ultra.
It was a
warm weekend with showers forecast. We headed off from Watlington
around 1100 in the morning. The section up to the River Thames is quite
hilly, taking you up to the top of the Chilterns several times with
some big climbs. Once we were down by the Thames the route flattens out
and the run along the Thames to Streatley is very pleasant. Having
stopped for a quick bite and refreshment we winded our way
through the town and the from here it was up onto the top of the hills
again. The track now becomes a wide white chalky byway, almost like an
unmade road. This is quite a long stretch until you start hearing and
then seeing the A34 which we go under. Through out the day I was
struggling with tired legs and sore knees. Not sure why, but Anna was
very patient with my moaning. From the A34 it is steady run to the end
of day 2. We ran approx 30 miles, but we are going to thinking of
moving the day 2 finish to make it 28 miles.
Be
interested in any comments people may have on the length of day 2?
After
some food, a bottle of wine and a good nights sleep we felt ready for
the next days running. The Day 3 stage from Wantage is the one with
most historic interest, taking us past Segbury Fort, White Horse Hill
Fort (which is huge) and Waylands Smithy Long Barrow burial ground
(which is a wonderful ancient monument). It is a varied stage with
chalk byways, then moving onto narrow paths and tracks as we head into
the hills after crossing the M4. The final stage is a fabulous section
running along the top of the hills with some stunning views until we
finish at Barbury Castle.
We had a
fantastic run, it was great to see the whole route in daylight (last
time I ran the Ridgeway was the non-stop event and most of it was in
the dark!). It will be a great test for of you running it in November.
We are really looking forward to seeing everyone.
Check out our photos from
the Recce in our Gallery here
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