Hosted by Istead and Ifield Harriers the 36th North Downs Way saw Steve Hickman back out on the startline of what has been described in Runners World Magazine as ‘one of the most iconic trailraces in Europe’. Not only that but it incorporates the British Masters Trail Championships.
Starting at Cascades Leisure Centre, in Gravesend, the course follows the country lanes, footpaths and tracks across Shorne farmland before winding its way through Cobham Park and the Cuxton Valley before embarking on the North Downs Way and the Weald Way. Challenging underfoot and full of ascent this is never a walk in the park.
“It bites me every year” Steve said with an eyeroll “I managed to trip and fall before halfway. Ended up with a swollen knee and elbow…. at least I didn’t get run over by the event ambulance…. that actually happened one year haha”
Despite stacking it, Steve carried on and made to the top of the notorious Holly Hill with all of its 180m of elevation to enjoy the beautiful vistas before dropping back down to the Leisure Centre to complete the challenge in 3.42.47
