RACE REPORTS 2023

  The annual search for the bearded man in a red outfit took place last Wednesday. 100 of you took part in what turned out to be a waterlogged course. A surprise water feature early on didn't deter anyone from wading through knee deep water (depending on how long your legs were) to get to the footbridge. Although everyone was pre-warned, nobody

opted for a detour. 

It was great to see many adorning various versions of Santa attire which made the pub even more festive.

Speedy Tom Rehal was lightning quick in  31.57 and even though he didn't get any of the time bonuses he still won ! The winner for the ladies changed after bonuses were awarded meaning that Sarah Wilson-Frost took the honours with her 6 minute bonus. A bottle of wine for each of them will be presented when we next see them.

Happy New Year to all of our dedicated trail runners.

Kevin & Howard

Fox and Hounds and Mud

Due to foot problems my last trail race was back in May and apart from two thirty minute jogs and a five mile walk/run I have done no physical exercise whatsoever. I still have a painful foot but have decided to start running again as it hurts walking anyway.

The Fox and Hounds trail was billed as 6.5 miles so I set some targets in my head. I thought I would be around 1.45 for a run/walk, would be disappointed not to beat two hours, and would be over the moon if I could get anywhere near 1.30.

Justin let me go before the official start time and I set off along the first road section. We have had quite a lot of rain lately so I was wearing my INOV8 mud claws. These shoes are notorious for wearing out the studs on hard surfaces, so I was relieved to reach the first muddy field crossing.

I passed a grumpy dog walker, then acted as road marshal for the group of runners behind. Passing the Hurdlemakers and turning right I sussed where the route would be going and apart from the last path through Kent Wood I was pretty much right.

The strong breeze had been behind us for the first half of the race so as we turned right off the old railway I sort of knew what was coming. Apart from the mud bath that is. There were quite a lot of people negotiating the field when I got there and all going at about the same speed as me (very slow).

Another half mile of road to finish and I was back at the pub. I did walk one field near the end but surprisingly had “run” most of the way. I made the distance 6.41 miles but was very pleased to have stopped the clock at 1.25.14 well inside my best target. In fact it was about the pace I had run my last trail in. This just shows that I run so slowly now that five months with no cardio effort made no difference to my fitness whatsoever.

Top three men were Tom, Shay and Andy. Jackie was second overall with Shukila and Lynn the other top ladies. 117 people completed the course. Special thanks to the 44 who were behind me.

Thanks to Justin, Nadine, John and Lorna for their efforts before and on the day.

28TH HOBBLE 

The 28th running of the Hobble took place in unforecast rain. Over 140 runners completed the 5, 10 and 16 mile courses.

It is always nervy waiting for the first runner back so that we know the course is navigable. Jackie put our minds at rest as she raced home over the 10 mile course to win yet another trail. She was followed in by Mark and Malcolm who didn’t turn right sharp enough and added a bit extra. Andy was just behind these two. We observed the two minutes silence at 11. The first three ladies in the 10 miler were Keely, Lynn and Melissa.

We then started to get the faster 5 milers returning with Sam winning from Ian and Poppy. Yan was next followed by Treena and Julia.

The nervousness about the instructions continued until Paul the first 16 miler came in. He had a healthy lead over Bob and Andrew. Emily was first lady with Marisa in second. Sarah, Amy and Deb finished together for third.

In 27 years this was the first time the routes had reached Bicknacre so there were quite a few new paths discovered. Next year we will be going West.

Thanks to Pete and Mark for checking the courses and Helen for help on the day. 

LAST MINUTE TRAIL

After all the torrential rain we had it turned out to be the perfect day for a trail run. Albeit a bit soggy underfoot it was a good runnable course. The footbridge that we suspected may have been under water wasn't, so the extra paragraph of instructions weren't needed.

Being in Felsted this week the journey for our intrepid pub explorer Neil was much easier as he only had to run from The Butchers Arms 2 miles away, then do the trail, have a few pints then run back to the pub, have a pint then catch the bus back to Westcliff. A good days running !

First to return to base on the long course was Tom Rehal who seemed to have an unbeatable finish time, that is until Anthony Goodall returned in a time of 57.25 (Tom's time was 58.55). Both incredible times for 8.5 soggy miles. Vicky Knight was first back for the girls in 1.10.56 running with Mark Lawes (I thought I'd better give Mark some glory too).

On the shorter course Teresa Wood was quickest in 47.16 followed by Ian and Charlotte Gowers in 49.05.

The pub with yet another new manager were pleased to have us so we will return to the venue at some point in the future.

Thanks to everyone that entered at such short notice, the turnout was much higher than we expected.

TARMAC TWISTER

The Tarmac Twister always creates a lot of debate in the bar afterwards but the winning time of 40.45 by Jackie shows it can be done. The longest time was over two hours so not everyone found it as easy as the winner. Antony was first man home in second overall with David and Nicole just behind. Adam and Lynn took the third place spots. 

The rain came earlier than forecast but no one seemed too damp at the finish even those that added extra miles. My own personal effort session behind the bar was eased for a while by Snig (thank you). I ache all over today so lifting pints definitely counts as exercise. Special thanks to Helen who kept the pizzas coming and thanks to Malc for opening and shutting up the clubhouse for us.

All that was left to do was to collect up the soggy token bags and go home for a rest. 

IT'S BEHIND YOU 

The Green Man is one of our favourite venues with friendly staff, good beer and very reasonably priced food. The surrounding area is also blessed with paths and tracks so that in all the times we have run from here this was the first time we’d got anywhere near Castle Hedingham.

There were some ploughed fields to negotiate but thankfully Thursday’s downpour had been dried up by the strong winds. 

When I arrived there were three people already waiting and it wasn’t long before Howard arrived. We didn’t want to set people off too early as the pub wouldn’t have been ready for us, so we spent 20 minutes chatting with the ever increasing number of runners.

Unlike last week when there was quite a wait for the first runner back we had barely sent off the last starter when Mark came sprinting in. The majority of the field managed to get round without too much trouble and enjoyed a sociable hour in the bar.

Our winners were John and Lynn on the longer route. John turned around at the bench but still didn’t see the castle. Terry came back after injury to take first spot in the shorter route with Keeley.

The beer was so good that both Howard and I took home three bottle conditioned ales to savour later. Howard is thinking of returning in two weeks for their Oktober Fest. 

YOU CAN HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT (BUT TRY HARDER NEXT TIME)  

The Thaxted Trail Marathon and Half Marathon has been on the fixture list since 2014 and made a welcome return after four years away due to a recent plague. Gavin, Paul, Ele and Carol plus several family members gave up hours (days?) of their time to enable this race to be one of, if not, the cheapest marathons in the country.

They do have a great head start with the fact that Thaxted and its surroundings are in a most scenic part of Essex. However it is not just the scenery that people come back for but the friendly buzz about the race and of course those cakes. (Clare & John only came for the cakes).

Essex Trail Events offered to help on the administrative side this year and took care of the permit, entries and timing. But all the hard work was done by Gavin and co with course designing, course checking, course instructions and of course the baking and catering.

When I arrived at 8am they were already at the hall and we discussed whether to set up outside in the weak sunshine or make the course longer by going to the far end of the hall (near a socket). Luckily I opted for the dry option as the promised rain did arrive about 2pm.

People were beginning to arrive and in a very cool, calm (if you ignore the friendly insults back and forth), non queuing manner we set them off into the Essex countryside with only a red berried bush quite early on causing a hiccup. (It was spelt hiccough when I was at school).   

Paul returned from putting out the drink stations and along with Gavin and I waited for the first returnee. We waited for some time (Paul had at least two of his six cups of coffee) and just as we were thinking of panicking Snig came home from the half marathon course, which put all our minds at ease as it meant the instructions were followable.

Not long after Alistair and George from Grange Farm came in as winners of the half in 2:04:09. The course was nearer 14 than 13 miles, but no one is expecting to do PBs on a trail race. Declan who could not quite keep with his mates was third. Fourth overall and first lady was Mid Essex Casuals’ Lynn in 2:11:48. Mamie of Springfield was second and the Great Bentley duo of Magdalena and Anthea were equal third.

The marathon was won in an amazing 3:17:57 by Nick, literally miles ahead of the field. And it was a great day for the White family when Rebecca clocked 3:53:18. The two Saffron Striders were the only runners under four hours and the second man Ben of Mid Essex was the only other runner to beat four and a half hours (just). 

Third man was Nathan who clocked in with us to finish and then went out to make it up to 26.2 miles. Why? Because he was beating his marathon PB. Like I said no one comes to a trail race for a PB. Nathan’s previous best was the London so he should be smashing his PB again soon.

Tracy and Shukila of Halstead tied for second spot with 5:03:14. 

Plenty of food was eaten but there were piles of cakes left over. It’s not every race you go to where you are offered a baked camembert to take home.

A really enjoyable day with lots of happy people and Gavin, Paul, Ele and Carol hopefully have a sweet tooth after all their hard work.

ESSEX WAY  

A gloriously sunny day made it great for the spectators and followers but a tad too warm for the runners on this year’s Essex Way Relay. As usual ten different clubs organised a leg each covering the 82 miles from Epping station to Harwich lighthouse.

Leg one saw a strong showing from the vets with Springfield and Leigh on Sea finishing second and third to Southend’s A team. Springfield ladies took an early lead from Leigh and Southend as the race came into Ongar.

First two in at Good Easter were Southend’s A and B teams with Grange Farm in third spot. Leigh vets took a massive lead on the rest of the field and retained first place right through to Harwich. Springfield and Mid Essex were next. Southend ladies took over top spot with Springfield dropping behind Leigh. Only two points covered these three teams and the battle was to go to the very end.

First into Little Leighs and third overall were Springfield followed by Grange Farm and Southend A. Springfield Ladies jumped back into top spot with Leigh second. With Grange Farm next on the leg Southend ladies dropped to third overall. Leigh vets continued to dominate and Springfield reinforced their second spot. Mid Essex still held third place.

Grange Farm won their only leg of the day beating Southend with Ilford vets taking a superb third position. Springfield ladies had a storming leg finishing in sixth spot as Southend bounced back with an eighth place finish to close in on second placed Leigh. Despite Ilford’s great run the top three vets remained the same.

Cressing to Great Tey saw Southend A and B in the lead with Springfield and Grange Farm in close attendance. (Overall SOS A 8pts, GFDR 14pts, SS 19pts). Southend ladies had a fine stage to bring them back to second. (Overall SS 79pts, SOS 80pts, LOS 95pts). Leigh vets were storming along and actually in fifth position overall.

The run to West Bergholt was another 1-2 for Southend which saw their B team move up to third overall behind Grange Farm. Benfleet took third on this leg. (Overall SOS A 9pts, GFDR 18pts, SOS B 29pts). Southend ladies had another fine run to regain the lead (just) from Springfield. (Overall SOS 89pts, SS 91pts, LOS 117pts).  No change in the vets, although the top two had a great battle in sixth and seventh places overall.

The longest leg of the day in probably the hottest of the weather saw Southend continue their winning ways into Dedham with Grange Farm hot on their heels and Colchester Harriers making an appearance in the frame.  (Overall SOS A 10pts, GFDR 20pts, SOS B 34pts) Leigh ladies took the stage ahead of Benfleet and Southend with Springfield hopes now fading. (Overall SOS 116pts, LOS 128pts, SS 148pts). In the vets Mid Essex B squad moved ahead of their A team!

Probably the most intricate leg as it winds its way to Bardfield came next. It was yet another win for Southend with Grange Farm and Southend B still setting the pace. (Overall SOS A 11pts, GFDR 22pts, SOS B 37pts). Leigh ladies claimed victory and jumped into top spot (just) with Grange Farm and Springfield taking the podium positions on the leg. (Overall LOS 146pts, SOS 148pts, SS 175pts). In the vets Springfield claimed some bragging rights with fifth overall and Mid Essex A put the B team back in its place.

If you are going to get lost it is normally on Stage 7 to Dedham or leg 8 to Bardfield. But it was the relatively straightforward stage to Ramsey that caught the leaders out with Southend A team finishing 39thand dropping into third overall. Benfleet took the honours ahead of Grange Farm and Leigh vets. (Overall GFDR 24pts, SOS B 45pts SOS A 50pts) Unlike their men, the Southend ladies bounced back to the top with a great seventh place finish ahead of Springfield and Leigh. Southend now led by just six points with one leg to go. Springfield were assured of third.  Leigh Vets B team nudged Mid Essex back into fourth.

Another 1-2 for Southend was not good enough to stop Grange Farm winning the Essex Way Relay for the first time, but all the interest was in the ladies race. Leigh finished in 13th spot with 174 points meaning that Southend had to finish 18th or lower to win. In the closest finish ever the Southend lady finished 18th to win by just one point. Mid Essex Vets regained their third spot.

Another great day in the Essex countryside and really exciting racing. Well done to all the clubs involved in organising this free race and see you all again next year.

ADMIRAL McHILLY & CHELMER TRAILS 

The sun was shining when I was putting out the drink stations, but it had clouded over when I got back to the clubhouse and then came out full on in time for the race. 

A healthy entry was split evenly between the 14 mile McHilly and the 5ish mile Chelmer. We ignored most of the start times so that people could get back in time for the World Cup Final. 

We set off all the McHillys first but first runner home was Chris in the Chelmer race. He remained on the hot seat right through the event to win by nearly two minutes from Phil with Snig in third. First lady home was Jenny narrowly pipping Sue and Jill.

The longer race produced two DNFs but the course proved no problem to Antony with an excellent clocking of 1.47.54 to win convincingly from first timer Mark who was eight minutes back. Next came Jackie just over the two hour mark with Nicole not far behind. Third man was John and third lady was Imogen.

Quite a few stayed to watch the final but being behind the bar I missed all but the penalty save.  I was convinced the goalie had gone early, but see in the paper today that it was an optical illusion and her heel was still on the line at the point the kick was taken.

Thanks for your patience with the slow bar service, but I’m sure some people have a look at what isn’t available and then ask for it (in more senses than one). 

SUN SHINES ON THE ROUNDBUSH 

After some shocking weather in the previous week Wednesday, as promised by the Met Office, was a proper summer’s day. If anything a little too warm. Howard and I set up the gazebo in the shade and didn’t have to put warmer tops on until nearly 8.30.

Due to the landlord being involved in a pool match the BBQ didn’t happen, but Anne did a great job in the kitchen cooking over 80 burgers which I’m sure you’ll agree were lovely. The beer on the other hand wasn’t so lovely, but we got the barrel changed.

Adam had a blinding run to win by almost four and a half minutes from Lynn and Gary with Snig the third man home. Vicky was second lady with Imogen & Madeleine in third. The latter two cycled to the Roundbush from Chelmsford, but as usual the gold star for travelling to the event went to Neil who caught the train to North Fambridge and ran to the pub. Not sure where he caught the train, but it probably also involved a bus and more running.

It was a pleasingly good turnout but only included 25 runners who had completed the same course but in the dark in January. Most improved times (%) were Sue Long, Ray Charlton, Lisa Burgess and Tracy Page. Three runners Phil Page, Jayne Elliott and Kate Nicholas managed to take longer in the sunshine than they did in the dark.

Anne and Dave will be moving on from the Roundbush soon which is a shame but maybe we will be back depending on the new licencees.

RIDLEY ROUND

A fabulous turnout on the day with many smiling faces after recovering and rehydrating in the proper manner 

All the participating pubs thought you were a great crowd of people and were grateful for your support, they all want us back soon, so we did something right !

Men wearing wigs were mentioned a few times when I collected the score sheets today, very popular so perhaps a theme for next year 

Myles  and Lynn  were the winners with or without the bonuses but you were all number one in our books.

We raised over £1000 for the two charities which is fantastic so another thank you is in order for you all.

WRITTLE WROUND  

After last year’s blazing heat, the Writtle Wround took place in almost ideal conditions. The rain of the previous day had not softened the going. Also this year many of the crops were still in place making paths more obvious across the fields.

The smallest turn out yet saw 41 runners toe the start line with slightly more in the early start than the “main” start. 38 finished with the only drop outs occurring at the Willingale checkpoint. Keeley and Terry led all the way and finally shook off Dewar in the last few miles. Tom returned from Suffolk to take third. Second Lady was Isobel, with Hilda, Imogen and Mamie having to fight over the third place trophy and bottle of red.

Huge thanks to all our helpers who make this race what it is. They are all runners so have a good understanding of what the competitors need.

Due to the dropping number of entries we still haven’t decided whether to organise another Writtle Wround. Watch this space.

WILLINGALE WANDER 

A disappointing turnout on a lovely day at Willingale fete. The 21 who ran all made it back in not too bad of a state considering the warmth especially when there was no cloud cover.

Outright winner by over three minutes was Lynn with James the second home to win his first ever prize with us. Second man was Laurie who hadn’t done a trail for some time and third was Ben who had used the morning to recce some of the Writtle Wround before the race. Sue and Donna were next ladies. 

As there were so few runners we might as well give them all a mention. Shortly after Ben came Tim who TR too early. Then came Rich T who was hallucinating footbridges. Strangely Yan was next also hallucinating footbridges but in a different place. Julia had to do her post round first and this paid dividends as she enjoyed the cloud cover. Then came another postie Lionel who was brushing up on his navigation skills after an extra mile on Wednesday at Monk Street.

Then came Mark and Hedi who after three years now know what EP stands for. Karen set off with Donna and Sue but succumbed to the heat and fell back. Dave G was next on probably his 250th event of the year. Ivan was another to enjoy a bit more of the countryside than intended. Don and Val enjoyed a gentle plod round after Friday night’s exertions (Friday Night 5 mile – in case you were wondering.

The last three to finish were as it happens the first three to start. Ray acted as a beacon in his full pink outfit and Sandra and Ann completed the field.

WINDMILL TRAIL

It was another welcome return to the Farmhouse Inn at Monk Street and yet another beautiful evening. Beautiful that is for those drinking outside the pub, but pretty tough on the runners who faced 25 degrees even at seven in the evening.

Apart from the first field of long grass it was a fast course as shown by the leading men and women’s times. It is always a relief to see the first runner back as it means the route description has lived up to its name. Snig was that first runner and leader in the club house. An unfortunately short lived lead as first Nick and then Rebecca came flying home. Nick was to lose his lead at the death to late starter Bosh. John finished third pushing Snig back to a still creditable fourth spot. Lynn was second lady with Laura third.

This is a beautiful area to run in and a friendly pub so we will be back next year.   

PHEW WHAT A SCORCHER

Phew what a scorcher. We were lucky under the gazebo and with a gentle breeze to keep us cool. 

June is a great time of year for fetes but a troublesome one for finding passable routes. Both Howard and I did a fair bit of gardening and the fete organisers helped with some very useful strimming. The area of long grass was too much for us to do anything about, but everyone managed to fight their way through it. At least it was grass not nettles.

With the unrunnable bits it was no surprise that the times were slow with only winner Adam beating the hour mark. Ian and Kevin were next back to the shelter of the new wooden gazebo that wasn’t there last time we were at the fete.

Hilda easily won the ladies event with Nichola, Sue and Donna next to finish. There were a lot of hot runners at the finish, but all seemed to recover quickly enough after the variety of refreshments on offer.

We spent most of our day directing traffic and refusing money from people who wanted to pay to get into the fete. Could have been a nice little earner. 

WILLOW TREE WANDER

A small but perfectly formed field of runners and walkers took part in our first venture in foreign territory. It was a long journey for some, but was worth it for the lovely area and excellent venue and food.

The course had a tough start with a not particularly steep hill, but a long one. The route then skirted the village of Glemsford with a few ups and downs before the final descent back down the initial hill to the finish. Howard and I came in from the cold to watch from the warmth of the café as the runners made the final descent.

Not too many problems apart from a lot of overshooting the metal bars in the EP and one instance of TL over FB instead of TR not over FB. 

Allen ran to a convincing win ahead of Dan and Ian. Lynn picked up another win with Vicky just behind and Rozlyn in third spot.

We would love to get more people to experience this area and venue, but the Willow Farm Café is such a popular place now a weekend event is not possible. We really thank them for opening up just for us.

BACK TO EDWARDSTONE 

It was a beautiful sunny morning when I arrived at Edwardstone which must be one of the most remote villages to get to with no major road for miles around. Many years ago Colchester Joggers ran trails from here and I was looking forward to going back.

I was a few minutes early for the 10 o’clock opening of the car park, but not surprised to see people already there.

John was on car parking duty and Clare was taking a leaf out of my book by not letting people go before the designated start time. For those that don’t realise start times are usually set so that the pub will actually be open and ready for customers when you finish. Maybe people ask road race organisers if they can start early but I don’t think so, they certainly never asked me.

At 10.33 I was off and quickly into the woods. Clare had advised trail shoes, but the ground had dried up really quickly so road shoes would have been a better option. A varied route with quite a lot of enclosed paths, good tracks and surprisingly few hills made for a quite speedy race despite a fair few stiles. Just one fartlek session through the cattle, but they were more scared of me. 

As I was one of the first to start I saw most of the field as they passed me (some twice) including Allen who was running back along the course to meet Fay after winning by almost eight minutes. Paul and John were second and third. Keeley won from Lynn and Jess in the ladies 7.5 mile event. In the shorter route Julia won outright by five minutes from Lee, Gavin and Ele with Steve and Denise completing the top threes.

Although it had now clouded over most of the finishers were outside at the picnic tables taking in the delights of the White Horse. Thanks Clare and John and Mid Essex Casuals for a great event from a grand venue.

GALLEYWOOD GALLOP  

After recent indifferent weather we were blessed with a great night for running, although it was somewhat cold for us sat at registration.

It was nice to see some new faces as well as all our regulars. There were a few tales of woe, but most seemed to enjoy it and all came home. After last year’s twisty course we made this one much more straightforward, but had to change the course a little bit particularly through the rapeseed. We expected fast times and we got them.

Adam seems to have found the compromise between running fast and misreading the instructions and running slower and following the actual course. He is now running fast and going the right way and claimed another win. It’s nice to see Roy back on the trails and he was a close second. Phil was the last to start but finished in third spot after you had all trampled the undergrowth for him.

Lynn again won the ladies with Vicky not far behind and Christine in third.

We have a load more races coming up see our events page for details.

ANOTHER SEARCH FOR BLUEBELLS 

It was a lovely morning for Another Search for Bluebells and the sunshine made the views all the better. It was a course with a bit of everything and seemed to be enjoyed by everyone. A path was kept clear for us by a couple of local farmers, one of whom, Natalie, has run in several of our races.

The rains of the last week had caused it to be a muddy affair, but apart from a couple of people slipping over added to the fun.

The Castle were again very accommodating, we just need them to move the loos a bit closer.

As for the race, Antony absolutely stormed around to win by nearly ten minutes ahead of Myles and Phil. Hilda won the ladies again by a clear margin from Hannah and Sarah.

We have a couple of races in May then a whole host in June which will be opening for entries in the near future.

FOR HORSES FOUR COURSES FIRST FURLONG 

Normally Clare and John do their Tattingstone races from the Wheatsheaf so my automatic pilot took me there. Without stopping I realised my mistake and I travelled through Tattingstone itself for the first time to reach the White Horse.

There were maybe six cars already in the parking field to which I was expertly guided by John. I took some left over crème eggs to Clare and she said despite the start time being 11 o’clock several people had already gone almost an hour early.

I set off down the hill and onto the banks of the reservoir for a fast and attractive first mile (the course not me). The major road crossing held me up for quite a while and I was soon up the rise passing the caution runners sign which was a clue to the return journey. Rich T overtook me after a couple of miles and I never saw anyone else on the long course after that.

Down a lovely grass track to the A14/A12 junction I knew I would have to regain the lost height somewhere and the drive up from Belstead Hall would certainly make a good hill session. Past a group of suspicious cars and then down a long track. Turning left at a marker post there was suddenly, a hundred yards in front of me, a rainbow of runners. I thought I was joining the short route and would possibly catch some people. But when I crossed the field the instructions sent me right on a track into a wood. 

Through the only mud on the course there was a good show of bluebells to my right. I rejoined the return route crossed the road with ease and was pleased to turn off on one of the many footpaths I’d noted on the way out.

Back at the pub early finishers were at picnic tables in the garden and I joined them with a pint of Mauldons Coronation Ale and a packet of cheese and onion in very pleasant conditions.

Thanks to Clare and John for a great course and venue 

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA 

Weatherwise three out of four ain’t bad as a total of 240 competitors took part in this year’s Easter Eggstravaganza. 60 runners will share the £700+ prize fund.

DAY 1 - PLEASE FORM A QUEUE

The sun was shining so joining the queue outside the hut was not a problem and it also moved quite quickly. When I arrived I had two cars trying to reverse out of the football field which was still a bit boggy after recent rains. I parked in the pub car park (but I think I got away with it) and put on some old road shoes despite the state of the parking field.

It was a bit of a twister trail as we returned to Panfield after about a mile on the short route. I was doing the short as I intended running the long on Saturday. After a couple of miles Simon and Lorraine caught me up and Lorraine asked if she could run with me. I said if she was prepared to run this slow OK. To be fair she stuck it for a couple of miles before leaving me for dead.

My choice of road shoes wasn’t too bad a decision as there were only a few slippery spots, although I nearly came a cropper in front of Andy who was waiting for Joanne to come along. My favourite part of the course was the enclosed downhill path behind the industrial estate, where first Jackie and then Bosh flashed past. 

Back at the pub, my first encounter of the weekend with an arithmetically challenged barmaid. A surprisingly nice pint of Landlord and a pleasant chat in the sunshine with Snig, Mel, Ginny, Heather, Wendy, Keith and Julian amongst others.

A great start to the weekend. Thanks to Dave and Sylvie.

DAY 2 – THE EARLY BIRD THAT COULDN’T CATCH A COLD

I got to the start to an almost empty car park and parked next to Don. Nick and Peter were there and were soon joined by Andy. My legs were tired from yesterday so I decided to go for the short and also this time to wear my mudclaws (two very good decisions). They let me go early and I thoroughly enjoyed the first mile gently downhill on very familiar paths. 

Justin was first to pass me at the orchards and he stormed along Graces Walk and out of sight. I plodded along through “Gay Meadow” the local dogging site even though the horns on the (docile) cattle looked quite pointy. Beside the ford which last week would have been impassable and uphill across the field that last time I was there had 8ft tall sweetcorn growing in it. Through the paddocks and back across the earlier field but higher up I met a couple of chaps with huge back packs training for the West Highland Way. In the following enclosed mud bath I ducked to avoid a low branch and my glasses slipped off my face. At first glance I couldn’t see them but luckily they had hit a nice soft bit and were undamaged.

Then through the horse field and I was caught up and overtaken by Ian and Christine. Back up through and around Blakes Wood (a few bluebells – be good in a couple of weeks) to chicken korma hill. I do know a few ways around this but the course was through the middle so through the middle it was. I saw quite a few people just starting out as I finished. Just as I finished Mamie and Ben arrived after going to Sunday’s venue by mistake. 

I have never been a fan of Shepherd Neame and after another encounter with a bewildered by voucher barmaid I purchased a pint of Maverick (so bitter just like all their other ales). Again sat in the sunshine and had a pleasant chat.

Thanks Andy, Nick, Steve and Gerry for two excellent routes.

DAY 3 – ON THE FLIGHTPATH

Poor Howard had to make last minute changes as the original venue at Mole Hill Green had a waterlogged parking field. Helen and I arrived to another almost empty car park as 

I had forgotten it was a 10.30 start. Howard had managed to utilise most of the original route so plane spotters weren’t disappointed.

Helen set off with Ann. As they were walking I gave them a 20 minute start. In fact Bosh finished before I’d started so I knew the time to beat (haha). I’d been going for about a minute when Jackie sprinted past. It’s hard even for me to believe that I used to run at that speed many years ago.

After a couple of miles I caught Helen and Ann and then followed a long enclosed path beside the golf course. Through Elsenham and then back across fields to the airport and the smell of fuel. The route then followed the airport perimeter with planes just feet above our heads.

I was really feeling it as I rarely run two days on the trot yet alone three and was glad to finish back at the pub. Yet another meeting this time with the most bewildered pair of barmaids of the weekend who just looked at me when I queried my (short) change and had no idea how to take a voucher and some cash even using a calculator. Pint of Heresy by the way, very nice. Again a nice sit outside in the sun watching the planes coming in to land. 

Helen and Ann were the last to finish and Helen was quite shaky. But it was actually Ann who had been bitten by a dog and had to go to A&E (Ann that is not the dog).

Well done Howard and Katia for making it possible for us all still to have a run to go to.

DAY 4 – THE ONE WITH THE CRÈME EGG

The Coronation is next month, but the rain started here.

What a poxy morning. Last year we were out on the decking in the sunshine, this time Ben the landlord sited us in luxury accommodation in the dry. 

During the week I had posted on Facebook that 55% of the entrants for this race were women and remarked that perhaps more races should have chocolate at the finish. This offended some people on Facebook.  I took down the post. Quite a few finishers commented that they had been looking forward to their egg all the way round.

The course which had been concrete hard on Sunday was concrete slippy now and everyone was well mud-splattered at the finish and were under strict orders not to go in the pub with muddy shoes. Thank you all. We couldn’t believe how mud free the bar was.

Thanks to my lovely assistant on the day and for checking the route instructions.

A FEW STATISTICS

Over the four days

240 different runners/walkers took part

12 from Billericay

19 from Halstead

26 from Little Baddow

58 from Mid Essex Casuals

35 from Springfield Striders

12 from Tiptree

130 Ladies

110 Men

WET, WET, WET  

Three times we’ve been here and three times it has precipitated down. We’re thinking of doing a Christmas run from here called the Reindeer trail because it has rained here every time we’ve been.

A small field was further shrunk by no shows, so many thanks to those who came through hell and high water to get here. I drove past Neil in Finchingfield and offered him a lift, but that wasn’t in his training plan, so continued my journey trying (unsuccessfully) not to hit too many water filled potholes.

Of course Richard was there before me and Howard who arrived two minutes later. There were some entertaining parking manoeuvres in the car park which we watched from the comfort of the bar. 

We had such a small field that we let people go when they were ready with not much adherence to start times. When John finished in a good time we knew the instructions were OK and soon the runners returned in dribs and drabs (mainly dribs) and kept the mud to the car park. All finished in good time i.e. before the pub closed and most seemed happy if a little cold.

John’s time stood right through to claim another win. Lorraine took the ladies prize.

We expected Neil to sponge a lift back to Dunmow, but he didn’t throw in the towel as he had important business in the Red Lion, Finchingfield and the Vine at Great Bardfield on his run back to catch the X30 back to Southend.

Thanks again to the Horse and Groom for their hospitality and see you all at Easter.

DARK HART 

 Delayed by a week so we avoided the snow; just another seven days of rain to add to your pleasure.

When Howard wrote up the route it was nice and dry. When I checked it out last week it was monsoon like horizontal rain and freezing.

It was wet as I drove to Stebbing, but it seems to have held off for most of the 44 intrepid runners. Only a few tales of losing the course, but everyone got back to the pub in reasonable time. Adam who has been known to add to the official distance in the past had no trouble at all to win in a very impressive time of 39.53. First ladies were Keely and Lynn just five minutes back.

Thanks to everyone for not bringing mile 4 mud into the pub and well done all for running in the challenging conditions.

That’s it for the head torches until October, but plenty of Wednesday evening runs to come.

PRESENTATION TRAIL 

After several wet and cold days it was nice to run in the dry and mild at Mid Essex Casuals’ Presentation Trail. It was however quite wet and muddy underfoot in places.

Although I like running from Rayne, I can’t stand the boredom of the Flitch Way so it was great to only encounter about 100 metres of it. It has also been sometime since I ran up the back of Big Bird hill. 

The route then followed good tracks around to the solar farm and I popped out in Willows Green for a bit of pavement bashing, then back to the solar farm and into the southern end of Notley Park. 

Then a scene reminiscent of “the Prisoner” as I passed some giant eggs. Dave didn’t make us run up Big Bird again but it is still a climb over the bridge. With Big Bird and giant eggs maybe we'll find a big nest next time we are in the park.

All in all an enjoyable route and pleasant chatter at the end. 

See you all on Wednesday.

SMUGGLERS TRAIL  

Thanks for coming to our first venture in the area. 115 runners and walkers started and 115 finished with apparently not too much trouble.

Talking of not much trouble the overall winner was Jackie in a very speedy 44.08 over five minutes ahead of first man Paul. We knew it was a fast course but jeez that is a truly impressive time. Jackie usually tells us she has a niggly injury so presumably she is now back to full health.

We had lots of compliments from our regular runners on the course so to all the locals you live in a nice spot. You knew that of course.

Unfortunately the barman arrived late due to his son’s football match overrunning so there was a long queue for the bar and the barmaid thanks you all for being so patient.

The Smugglers Den was very welcoming and we will return next year.

LARK IN THE DARK  

A great turnout at our latest night venture. 71 set off into the cold and 71 returned to the warmth of the Roundbush and enjoyed a curry and a pint.

After a bit of a dip in numbers we really seem to be back in the swing again and attracting runners from all over the county and even London. But it is still the same names winning the races and as with a lot of our events the ladies are well to the fore.

Lynn and Keeley combined to win outright with Philippa third overall. First man was Philippa’s running partner Andy and he was followed home by Daniel and Ian who was doing his first trail. In fact there were several people doing their first narrative trail race and in the dark too.

Unusually there weren’t many tales of woe as most of you got round without a hitch. 

We will be back at this great little pub in the summer so you can see where you ran last night.

WHERE WAS SANTA?     

What had been snow and ice when I checked the course before Christmas was now mud and water plus a bit more mud and water. 

Howard had set a straightforward course as per normal for night races and only one group missed the three Santas turn off the never ending bridleway. There were also a few wet feet at the ford as the mighty Chelmer actually looked like a river for a change.

I walked the course with wifey and Wendy and everyone who passed by was friendly. There were some impressive head torches. I thought one was a car coming up behind us, but it was just a speedy runner. After we crossed the main road we let Ian go ahead and he crossed the stile, we walked around it. Then the shock comment of the night at the chocolate bag. “I’m too hot to eat chocolate” I couldn’t believe my ears.

Then Snig went by (pre nasty fall). Wendy commented on how long the field path was, I told her that there was far worse and longer to come. We barely went five minutes all night without someone catching us up. Sarah told us off for not glowing in the dark.

Back over the main road and along the track I mentioned that sometimes the river overflows into the path, and sure enough it had.  Local knowledge took us off the path into the field and to the footbridge. 

We finished just ahead of quite a large bunch to find Howard was in the bar somewhere and Dave H was in charge of the laptop. After some time he noted our time.

It was so warm in the bar we took our coats and jumpers off and now guess what? Yes it was the ideal temperature to eat chocolate. 

All very sociable in the pub and thanks to Howard for another great night.