Situated in Staunton Country Park, this 6 hour challenge takes the runners into the neighbouring Forestry Commision’s Havant Thicket for as many laps of the 4.7 mile course as they can or want to in the allotted time.
Club legend Dave Cass and Ross Wilkes both took on the challenge.
Starting in the beautiful grounds of the Country Park, the trusty pair set off into the thicket, negotiating a hill or 2 on the way round before returning to the Park and the well stocked aid station, offering all the goodies that keep the runners going on a challenge like this.
“There were loads of mince pies!” Said Ross
“It was a pretty course and wasn’t too muddy either. There were a few gradual inclines which were ok to start with but really chipped away at you in the later stages”
Ross decided to call it a day by ringing the bell signalling his intention to finish after 6 laps completing just over the marathon distance.
“I had to slow it right down for the last lap” said Ross “I felt a twinge in my leg at 21 miles going downhill. I am running a league race next week, so wanted to stay fresh for that, I pottered the last bit”
Ross managed his 27.6 miles in 4.25.33 to give him 15th place overall,whilst Dave ran his furthest distance in a long time due to a back injury to complete 5 laps of 23 miles in 4.07.20.
