The Pilgrim
Challenge North Downs Way Multistage Ultra
February 6th
& 7th 2010
Pilgrim Challenge Race Report:
On the 6th
February at Sands Farm in Farnham 130 odd runners (or in normal
society – lunatics) got set to run 33 miles to Merstham in Surrey
along the North Downs Way. The North Downs Way or the Pilgrim Way is
100s of years old and was used by Pilgrims going from Farnham to
Canterbury, Dover and to the continent. The evidence of this is the
fact that the route is littered with churches.
Most of the
runners and walkers were starting a multistage event organised by
Extreme Energy –
www.xnrg.co.uk. The format was simple 33 miles out along the
North Downs and then 33 miles back the next day.
The walkers
started at 0800, the main body of runners at 0900 and the elite
runners at 1000. Competitors came from all corners of the UK, from
the Isle of Wight to Liverpool, Newcastle and Wales. And the ages
ranged from 21 to 62 years old.
Extreme Energy
are sponsored by the adventure wear company BUFF and their nominated
charity is Help For Heroes. Raising money for H4H is very important
to the event organisers as they both have a military background.
One of the
competitors running the event was Mike Buss who recently broke the
record for distance run in 5 days non stop on a treadmill carrying a
45lb pack ! Mike is aiming to raise £10000 for H4H by 2013.
Once the
competitors were set of by Barry Smith the owner of Sands Farm they
followed the route of the North Downs. The route is hilly, muddy and
very very challenging. Enroute the competitors had the route broken
up by checkpoint approx every 8 miles. The Extreme Energy
checkpoints are becoming famous for the amount and variety of food
they provide, and all competitors were very grateful for this.
After going south
of Guildford the routes takes the competitors towards Dorking. As
they approached Dorking they were treated to a lovely run through
Denbies wine estate who also provided prizes for the event. As they
competitors left Dorking they were faced with the infamous Boxhill
and the horrible climb up to the summit. The route from then on is
very tough winding up and down until getting to Reigate Hill where
there is a very very steep climb up. From Reigate Hill it is a 4
mile run down to Merstham.
Once in Merstham
the competitors were accommodated in St Nicholas School. The event
organisers had arranged for all the comforts that tired runners
would need. There was free tea / coffee and cake, massage available
to try and get some life back in the legs, loads of food at the
evening meal and Rugby on a large screen with beer and wine
available to those who wanted to relax.
Everyone had a
fun evening sharing stories of their days escapades and then got
their heads down around 2230 for a good and well earned nights
sleep.
Sunday morning
was a very early start. Breakfast at 0600, first start at 0700. The
competitors, although tired and a bit stiff were in great spirits
and set off in the drizzle for another 33 miles of real challenge.
Once again the
runners and walkers were well looked after enroute. The first to
finish was Oliver Sinclair, as he did on day 1 in an impressive
combined time of 9:17, 30 minutes ahead of the next competitor.
There was also an outstanding performance from Claire Imrie who was
the 1st Female home in a combined time of 10:32.
There were
gladiatorial performances through out the field. From those who were
injured or had dreadful blisters and still completed, through to
those who finished in 11 hours in the dark when everyone, except the
organisers had gone home.
All competitors
were given a very warm and well deserved welcome by the support
crew, along with hot drinks and loads of food.
Overall the
mammoth achievement of all the athletes was exceptional.
Some
Competitor feedback:
“Thanks for putting on a great event
this weekend. It was my first ultra
and I've loved it”
“Many thanks to all involved in organising and running a great event
in the Pilgrims Challenge. Was a cracking weekend, well planned
throughout, and the whole event went off very smoothly - really
couldn't fault anything about it! “
“Awesome weekend again guys. Thanks.”
"Please, Please do this again next year, I want to
come back!" :: "Well done to all your friendly team...it was a
pleasure to meet you all" :: "It was very challenging but hugely
enjoyable" :: "Thank you for everything, see you next year! ..."
"Fantastic weekend and a terrific course.......cheers!"
"Thanks
for a brilliant weekend"
"Thanks for a great weekend. Again I had a great time and the
support in terms of food, accommodation etc was great"
"Many
thanks to all involved in organising and running a great event in
the Pilgrims Challenge. Was a cracking weekend, well planned
throughout, and the whole event went off very smoothly - really
couldn't fault anything about it!"
"Fantastic event, would recommend this to anybody.
Def going back next year"
"Can
I congratulate you on another well organised event"
"The
Pilgrim Challenge was an excellent event, I thoroughly enjoyed it"
"Thanks
for organising such a good race this weekend"
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