Set in the Rushmore Estate near Tollard Royal in Wiltshire, this glorious part of the English countryside is nestled within Cranbourne Chase, an ancient deer forest. Formerly the royal hunting grounds of King John, the last 10 years have seen some major restoration work resulting in the area now being recognised as a wildlife site of national importance.
In it’s 6th year, the Ox races have evolved. They are now largely based around the 10k circuit used for the light/dark races, runners wanting to compete at distance could either take on the 50 miler or the 12 hour frolic challenge (run as many loops as you can)
The setting is gorgeous. The Rushmore Estate near Tollard Royal in Wiltshire, opens its gates especially for the events. It’s nestled within Cranbourne Chase, an ancient deer forest and the royal hunting grounds of King John. The area is now recognised as a wildlife site of national importance.
Dan Williams was back in Dorset to take on the only event he didn’t tackle at last years event – the 12 hour frolic .
He set off into the sunshine on Sunday, not knowing how many miles he had in his legs. His 105 mile Dorset Coast Challenge was only a few weeks ago and he was still feeling effects of that epic adventure.
Nevertheless Dan went out in his usual carefully thought out and planned manner. He got to the marathon distance after 4 laps.
“I wanted to quit by this point. My legs felt like someone else’s”
He kept going though. 6 laps in and 40 miles behind him he paused for a bit of inspiration. A gift from a close friend gave him the grit to keep going.
He knuckled down, telling himself he was “just fatigued” and that he just had to keep moving.
It seemed to give him a second wind and he picked up in three last 3 laps managed to pass enough runners to get himself into 2nd place. He held on to maintain the second position overall and called it a day at 10 hours and 58 minutes.
