The Charmouth Challenge and the Maiden Castle Loop
The Charmouth Challenge
Eureka, have you ever had that moment when some things fall into place in the most unexpected way? After long years of trying to improve my race positions by running faster I have discovered that if you run slower year on year your race positions actually improve. I will explain later.
As it's July, for me it must be running in Dorset. The Charmouth Challenge and the Maiden Castle Loop are firm fixtures in my summer diary.
The Challenge was first up, this is an eight mile multi-terrain running experience. Tarmac, stone tracks, gravel, grass, mud, wooden bridges, steps, stiles, gates..... you name it, it’s here. The start is a fast half a mile to the bottom of Stonebarrow Lane, which then gives a grueling climb of about a mile rising over 120m. The next mile rises steadily another 60m to the top of Chardown Hill. A fast and steep downhill section on grass and stone tracks leads to a farm yard followed by a flattish section on grass then a woodland path before the start of the long 140m climb to Golden Cap. A fierce final climb up a gravel path gives out onto the flat summit of the Cap. A quick blast along the top then it's the short way down to the ruined church of St.Gabriel's at 5 miles. A rough stone track and a couple of fields lead out to the cliff edge and the coastal path, before the final steep climb up a concrete track to the top of Stonebarrow Hill. The final section down to the finish at Charmouth School is an exhilarating swoop down the coastal path. At the finish are the usual drinks, cakes et al with the added bonus of Dorset Fire & Rescue providing a cool shower after the finish line.
There were 232 finishers.
First Male: Stuart Leaney, unattached, 52:12
First Lady: Lin Lascales, Maiden Newton RC, 1:04:59
The Maiden Castle Loop
The following weekend it was off to Dorchester for the Loop, organised by Egdon Heath Harriers it is a six and a half mile race centred on the run around the top of Britain's largest Iron Age hill fort. The start and finish are at the Thomas Hardye leisure centre in Dorchester with a 7pm start. After a fast start along tarmac paths the first incline up the west side of the fort slowed the field down, then it was down a steep slope before turning onto a minor road. After about half a mile it was sharp left and up to the top of the fort, once there the route took an undulating twisting path which takes you round the fort.
After the deluge during last years race the fine but breezy weather made for some spectacular views with rural Dorset laid out before you. Once off the fort it was a flat run back to the leisure centre for the finish and a hot shower. Neil Jarvis joined me for the race with Tracie and the family supporting.
There were 145 finishers.
First Male: Ian White, Bournemouth AC, 39:52
First Lady: Lin Lascales, Maiden Newton RC, 45:48
Stubbie: Neil Jarvis, 50th, 52:09 Now back to my eureka point, compare my results from the two races over the past two years.
Challenge Loop
2009. 1:13.00 98th 2009. 48:42 38th
2010. 1:13:03 75th 2010. 49.06 33rd
See, the slower you run the better your finish position.
Paul Hammond. |