Larmer Tree Races -Day 1

Set in the beautiful countryside of the Larmer Tree Gardens and the Rushmore estate on the Dorset & Wiltshire border, a total of 7 Road Runners set off for the first 2 races of the weekends events.

The recent rainfall had made this famously hilly course all the more difficult.
The undulation on all these races at Larmer is relentless. And with an absolute whopper of a 841 footer chucked in the middle (Ventnor’s St.Boniface Down is 702ft as a comparison for you).

An early kick off of 8.30am saw just 2 Roadrunners embark on the 10 mile course. Despite being the shortest distance on offer over the weekend of running, it was by no means an easy option.

Misha Hetherington and Rachel Dempsey embraced the challenge knocking 14 minutes each off their times from last year, earning themselves their beautiful peacock medals and enjoyed a free breakfast courtesy of the organisers, White Star Running.

Mischa Hetherington – 2.17.39
Rachel Dempsey – 2.18.51

An hour later the half marathon got underway. Following largely the same course as the 10 milers, but with a couple more hills and even a bit of the Beast from the East still hanging around on the high ground.

First home was Nick Kenney in a marvellous 19th overall and 3rd V45 in just under 2 hours. Holly Newton wasn’t too far behind to claim 29th overall and 6th place in the ladies race, winning the Senior Female category.

Next in were the triumphant trio of Jane Andrew, Claire Howard and Alison Batchelor, or team JAC as they are fondly known as. They came across the line, as always together. Supporting each other as they conquered more than just the hills out there.

“Mud, hills, rain, snow and fog. I loved it!” Said Jane