A 20 mile run for fun. For FUN!!!
But that is exactly what this is. It’s a day away from the pressure of running personal bests and racing. It’s a run just the joy of running.
Started in 2012 by Richard Pearson of the Isle of Wight Hash House Harriers. It was intended to be run every other year, but it’s year on year growth in popularity has put it on the annual calendar.
From the furthest point on the North in our Island (Egypt Point) through to the most Southerly at St. Catherines Lighthouse. This event is in the format of a hash. That is, minimally marked, unmarshalled and water stops in the form of Pubs on the route.
No fewer than 30 roadrunners assembled at Egypt Point for the 5th running of this event. Some runners are fluent at this sort of distance, for others, it was their first ever 20 mile run, many however using this as a part of their marathon training.
The first leg of the journey takes the runners from the seafront straight up the sharp incline of Egypt Hill and along to Northwood where it steps onto trail. Through Parkhurst Forest before emerging the other side and on to the first stop at the Blacksmiths Arms on the Calbourne Road. The first 7 miles behind them.
After the first hydration stop of the journey, the continued up and over the Tennyson Trail, through Bowcombe, Gatcombe and Chillerton. Poor Alison Batchelor had a tumble along this leg (no pun intended)
But she managed to pick herself up and continue along to The Chequers Inn at Rookley at the half marathon distance.
Onward they went on the third leg. Only 4 miles to the next stop. Running through Roud and the aptly named Nettlecombe.
“There was a ridiculous amount of stingers on the 3rd leg” said ladies captain Julie Ray “my legs have never tingled so much”
The White Horse in Whitwell was before them before they knew it.
Only 2.6 miles left to go to make it to the Lighthouse.
For those that weren’t adequately “hydrated” on the way, celebratory drinks were flowing in The Buddle Inn afterwards.
