Runner's World

(Jacob Rumans) #1
THE START LIST
Our selection of the best fastest
toughest quirkiest and most
enjoyable UK races this month

SAND AND DELIVER

Woolacombe Beach Run 10K
Stick on your finest retro running gear and get ready to
pound unsteadily along the golden sands and over the
dunes of this gorgeous stretch of coastline. You might
want to do some ankle-strengthening exercises in
preparation for this one. That tune in your head is from
Chariots of Fire but please no running in slow motion...
Devon June 10 woolacombebeachrun.co.uk

ULTRA GORGEOUS

Race to the Tower
A double marathon through the finest scenery the Cotswolds can muster.
You’ll travel north from Stroud in Gloucestershire passing charming
villages medieval burial grounds and historic landmarks along the way
before crossing the county border to Worcestershire finishing at Broadway
Tower. You can run it or walk it complete it over two days or in one epic
effort. Brought to you by the organisers of the popular Race to the Stones
ultra it’s impeccably signposted and picturesque throughout.
Gloucestershire June 9-10 racetothetower.com

London Cardiff 24 Team Relay
Teams of eight to 12 runners have up
to 33 hours (but can you do in 24?) to
complete a 24-stage 160-mile route
from Twickenham to the centre of
Cardiff. So who’s doing the much-
loved 3am stint? Someone has to...
June 1-2 Middlesex wolfpackrunning.com

Southend Half Marathon
Squeeze the last pips out of your
spring training and see how fast you
can do this flyer along the Essex
seafront which attracted almost
2000 runners last year. It’s quick
the air is bracing and the views over
the Thames Estuary are splendid.
Essex June 10 havenshospices.org.uk

WET WET WET

Beat the Tide
One of the Stroke Association’s
stable of fundraising events this is a
gorgeous 10K through the seaside
resort of Hunstanton in Norfolk. The
route – which is as flat as a Dutch
motorway – takes you right along
the beach towards Heacham then
heads back again before the tide
comes in. At least that’s the plan...
Prepare to get very sandy feet.
June 24 Norfolk stroke.org.uk

Yeovil Marathon
This is a great event with a boutique-
sized field (just over 200 finished
last year) and a military flavour. The
lumpy route takes in the picturesque
country villages surrounding Royal
Naval Air Station Yeovilton. Support
is thin on the ground on this two-lap
course of quiet country lanes but
many of the views are stunning.
The race proceeds go to the Royal
Navy & Royal Marines Charity
St Margaret’s Hospice and the
Yeovilton Military Wives Choir
who will be bellowing out the
tunes at the finishing line.
Somerset June 10 yeovilmarathon.com

RW POLL

Would a midrace
injury make you
drop out?*

1%
Defo. I hate pain.

13%
Yes if I thought
carrying on would
make it worse.

58%
Only if I physically
couldn’t run.

28%
Never! I am the
William Wallace
of running.

Summer Welly 10K
A new event hoping to match the
success of its winter forerunner
which also takes participants
through the picturesque grounds
of Wellington College. If you’re
feeling speedy on the day it might
be because the aura of alumnus and
1976 F1 champion James Hunt is
hanging about the place.
Berkshire June 2 muddywelly.com

FESTIVAL OF FILTH

Mud Monsters Run
The organisers of this East Grinstead
event have done a terrific job of
summing it up: ‘This obstacle run
takes you across muddy fields up
steep hills through woods fighting
your way through deep muddy bogs
with 130+ obstacles along the way.’
Choose from 5K 10K or 20km – and
it might be an idea to avoid public
transport on the way home.
West Sussex June 3 mudmonstersrun.co.uk

START LIST RACE


JUNE 2018 RUNNERSWORLD.CO.UK 093

PHOTOGRAPHS: STEPHEN HANC


OCK (WOOLACOMBE). *BASED ON


AN RW ONLINE POLL


OF 399 VOTES

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