Valley Trail Run

Following the events of yesterday I was feeling surprisingly well rested and hoped to complete this in a reasonable time.

The 200 meter walk from the car park to the start line, gave me the opportunity to chat with a few other runners to find out about the course – as it was the course seemed to have changed drastically since some runners had previously taken part in this event.

A few narrow trails allowing only single file are scattered throughout the course however the only element which I would suggest for anyone doing this event in future is to start close to the front of the runners at the start of the event and try to stay there for the first mile. The reason for this is after the first mile you reach a set steps built into the steep trail which means you have to climb up one at a time. As such the further back you are the more rest you get waiting for the runners in front of you walking up the stairs at the pace of the slowest person in the front!

However after that short stop this event is a superb trail run with streams and a variety of steep trail inclines and declines plus various smaller obstacles like fallen tree trunks and plenty of soft mud trails through to areas of rubble for four by fours. This makes for an interesting and exciting course that you need to concentrate on 100% to avoid injury.

Given the heat during this event the intake of water was crucial and its at this point I’d have to say anyone sensibly wearing a cap to keep the sun out of eyes – don’t be lazy and try to throw any water on your face rather than taking your cap off. The effect is to then wash every droplet of sweat directly into your eyes – ouch! Not good when you need to concentrate on your footing.

Well manned water stations throughout the event with cheerful marshals made for a superb Sunday run. Great location with the views similar to the Southdown’s without as many of the continuous climbs but with a lot more fun trail elements.