King Alfred's Torment
HE may have got lost briefly, but that didn't stop Barry Hards from finishing third at the King Alfred's Torment in Wiltshire.
Described as "seven Irish miles of mud and hills," this popular trail race takes place in the village of Stourton near Warminster and organised by Yeovil Town Road Running Club. The race takes in the sights of St Peter's Pump and King Alfred's Tower, and there are 'burnt' cakes for all the finishers!
Barry claimed third overall and first Vet 50 in a time of 47min 43sec. It was a minute or so quicker than last year when he clocked 48.38 to finish ninth overall.
"The leader got well away," said Barry. "But the chasing group of four, including me, got lost for 30 to 60 seconds or so.
"The guys who finished first and second didn't get lost, so I was pleased to claw my way back up.
"Conditions under foot were very rough (rocky, muddy, lots of sticks etc) due to the heavy rain we have had in the last few weeks. I was good fun, bit like a mini Grizzly."