Combe Gibbet to Overton

6 Roadrunners took on the rolling countryside between Berkshire and Hampshire borders in this off road point to point race.

After collecting their numbers at the finish line at Overton Primary School, Simon Riley, Michael Coultrup, Judy McCabe, Steve Bennett, Julie Rasmussen and Sarah Holmes were transported via bus over to the highground at Inkpen Long Barrow and the site of the huge Gibbet.

The gibbet was erected on the later named Gallows Down in 1676. Despite being replaced several times over the past 342 years, it only ever served its purpose for 2 souls over that time. Serving only as a local landmark now, Our runners shivered in the mist swirling around it as they waited for the 2 o’clock start.

Heading out, the undulation was steady with equal amounts of ups and downs as they made their way through Eastwick, along the Wayfarers Walk before skirting the Highclere Estate, (that’s Downtown Abbey from the telly box)

They descended through Woodcott Down before straddling a tiny part of the A34. It was here that the most sapping part of the course revealed itself. A 2 mile climb took them past ancient Tumuli up on to the famously named Watership Down.

Without a bunny rabbit in sight, they then began the long descent into Overton and the welcome sight of the school.

Simon was back first in just under 2 hours, 8th in his age category and 27th overall.

“That was by far the hardest trail race I’ve competed in”

Michael was home 10 minutes later, finishing 10th in his age category.

“That was brilliant! I enjoyed every step”

Steve and Judy were next, giving Steve 6th in his age category and Judy 10th in hers. They ran the whole course together as always. It was Judy’s longest run in a while, so a special well done to her.