Marketed as “Hilly,muddy, cold and wet” this infamous course was an instant draw for off road magnates Michael Coultrup and Dan Williams.
The impossibly early start saw our 2 boys on a cold and frosty startline at Bovington’s Tank Museum. Despite a beautiful clear blue sky, a bitter northwesterly wind making sure the wind chill factor was keeping the temperature below freezing. The pair set off, along with friend Julian Trout, into the mud.
Set on a M.o.D tank training ground, it’s safe to say that it delivered on all 4 of its promises. Tank tracks churning up the ground into a sticky mess, interspersed with flooded paths and some tasty elevation. As for the cold… it’s December right?
Unfortunately for both of our boys, it wasn’t their day. Michael had been battling flu all week as well as nursing a couple of injuries.
“At mile 4 I came to the realisation that my illness and lack of fitness due to injury was going to make for a hard time. However, I was there and so must knuckle down and get on with it. A challenging route coupled with awful conditions underfoot made it even more difficult”
It didn’t help that he fell and ended up completely submerged in a chalky muddy puddle. As for poor Dan, he started brilliantly but took a wrong at 12 miles.
“I lost my mojo after that. I really struggled and I began to feel ill. The pain really set in and I ended up having to walk”
They both mustered the strength to finish. Michael in 4.24.46 56th overall and 6th in his age category. Dan finished in 4.42.38
“I can say that this run was the most unenjoyable marathon I have done for a good while” said Michael later in the day “If it is held next year I have to return…. I have a score to settle…..”
Sounds like fighting talk to me…..
