Set in the South Downs National Park, this running event has 3 distances on offer. Our very own rocket Ross Wilkes took on the challenge of the 22k.
Starting at the Steam Fair in Hollycombe near Liphook, the course meanders it’s way through Hollycombe Forest of pine and birch. Deep puddles plentiful, soaking the runners feet from the get go, making the likelihood of blisters almost inevitable. before embarking upon the winding trails past lakes and streams.
Onward to the hillsides, so steep and thick with mud they were hard to navigate.
“It was ridiculous” said Ross “it was so hard to keep your footing. I was struggling to keep my shoes on”
But at the top of those monoliths were stunning vistas across the National Park and beyond. A beautiful, but very technical route as per the Maverick tradition.
Ross as always, gave it his usual 100% effort and completed the challenge in 1.53.30 giving him an amazing 5th overall.
“That was brutal. I really struggled with it, so I was chuffed to bits when I found out my results. I’ve never placed that highly in a mainland race”
