English Schools, Atlantic Coash Challenge, Run Bournemouth, Duchy an Dinas 5 and The Loop!

English Schools Fell Running Series

Last weekend ORC Luke Stannus headed to Giggleswick in North Yorkshire to take part in the final race of the English Schools Fell Running series. He had a terrific race finishing in 10th place, congratulations Luke.

Atlantic Coast Challenge

Also last weekend Lucy Wyman took part in the Atlantic Coast Challenge (ACC) now in it’s 19th year this is a multi-day marathon event held along the rugged coastline of Cornwall. Spanning approximately 80 miles of the South West Coast Path, the race begins just outside Padstow and ends at Land’s End.

Day one on Saturday was from Padstow to Perranporth (26.5 miles, 3,458ft elevation) and for much of the run the route was mostly a pleasant trail run, aside from the urban stretch through Newquay and a gruelling last few miles.

Day two was Perranporth to St Ives (26 miles, 3,701ft elevation). This leg offered stunning views and technical sections, with steep climbs and rolling hills making it a real test of stamina along a lovely stretch of coastline.

Day three was Lelant to Land’s End (28.9 miles, 5,594ft elevation) known for being the toughest and it certainly lived up to its reputation. The day started in pouring rain which set a challenging tone for the remainder of the race. The initial climb out of St Ives was a slippery, punishing ascent over rocks and boulders—a segment that many ultra-runners know from the infamous Arc of Attrition race.

After the second checkpoint the trails became more runnable and the sun finally broke through in the early afternoon, transforming the day completely. The muddy terrain remained challenging, but you could also appreciate the breathtaking coastal views.

Lucy crossed the finish line to complete the challenge and was handed a well-deserved Cornish pasty and her finisher’s medal! A fantastic achievement.

Run Bournemouth Festival

Jo Page had a busy weekend in Bournemouth taking part in the Run Bournemouth festival with the Supernova 5k on Saturday evening and the Supersonic 10k on Sunday.

The Supernova 5k starts on Bournemouth Prom and finishes in the Lower Gardens. This beautiful coastal route passes the Bournemouth Pier and takes place at dusk with an emphasis on light around the route with the 1,000 runners wearing torches making for a great atmosphere. Jo finished in a time of 23:04 second in her age category.

The Supersonic 10k is a fast, flat course, starting at Hengistbury Head and running back along the coast to the Bournemouth seafront. The weather was perfect and the course great for setting a quick time, which Jo did, finishing in a time of 43:48 coming third in her age category and seventh female overall.

Duchy an Dinas 5

On Sunday Keeley Phillips took part in the Duchy an Dinas 5, a new 5-mile mixed terrain event starting and finishing at The Duchy of Cornwall Nursery in Lostwithiel, the challenging route is approximately 90% trail and includes some 1100 ft in elevation.

Keeley was worried she wouldn’t be able to take part as she was suffering from a painful hip, but although she wasn’t able to give it 100% she says she loved every minute!

This stunning route goes from the nursery, thought the valley and up to the English Heritage site of Restormel Castle, from there runners drop back into Restormel woods, loop out towards the village of Lostwithiel and head back across the valley passing over the River Fowey then back up to the nursery.

Keeley said the hills were tough, but it was a well organised race, and she will be back again next year!

The Loop!

Also on Sunday Carole Loader and Lucy Gooding headed to Torbay for The Loop! A 20 mile trail event which starts on the beach at Broadsands Beach and heads inland through Churston, Galmpton, Greenway, then into Long Wood and Hoodown Wood, before crossing the steam railway to the River Dart and Kingswear, where it joins the South West Coast Path along woodland cliff paths, coves, beaches and stunning scenic hills to Brixham Harbour.

This route is a mixture of hills, woodland, and narrow trails littered with rocks and tree roots which makes for a tough and technical run with elevation of over 4000ft. The duo did well with Carole finishing in 4:17mins and Lucy in 5:42mins.