Runners

JULY 2018 RUNNERSWORLD.CO.UK 093``````The AshbourneHalf MarathonA historic Derbyshire market town,Ashbourne is the perfect spot foraspiring hill runners who fancyventuring into the Peak District.The town is known for its pubs,so the faster you whizz round thecourse, the sooner you get to enjoya postrace pint, or three.Peak District, July 8,ashbournehalfmarathon.co.ukSTART LIST RACEWE ASKEDREADERS:WHAT’S THE BESTMOTIVATIONALBANNER YOU’VESEEN DURING ARACE?``````‘Pain is just Frenchfor bread!’ – ParisMarathon last year- Callum Ford PT‘You’re running thisbetter than Trump isrunning our country.’- New York City Marathon, 2017- Lorna Mackenzie‘Run as if you’re latefor church.’ – DublinMarathon- Aine Kenny‘Don’t trust a fart aftermile 20!’ – BrightonMarathon, 2016Louise Campbell``````‘Don’t be shit!’ –Yorkshire Marathon- Karen Wilson‘Congratulations,you’re halfway,’followed by anothera few hundred yardsfurther, saying ‘Onlyjoking, no you’renot!’ It was an ocialsponsor’s banner,too. – ComradesMarathon- Emerson PaulDavid Shepherd MemorialGlamaig Hill RaceThis Isle of Skye event is one of thetoughest events in the Scottish hill-running circuit. Don’t let a little thinglike gradient put you off whatpromises to be one of the mostenchanting races you ever survive.Cast aside your fears about the riskof falling rocks or unforgiving scree,and prepare to get lost in the mist.Waterproof apparel is advised...Isle of Skye, July 7, carnethy.com``````GOLDEN WONDER``````Dorstone Dawdle 10KThis 10K has earned itself a solidreputation as a pleasant jauntthrough Herefordshire’s GoldenValley, but it’s far from plain sailing.Set on quiet country lanes, the racewill lull you into a false sense ofsecurity with a gentle early section- then the uphills take centre stage.But you will be rewarded withglorious views, good support and abarbecue. There’s also a 4km fun run.Hertfordshire, July 1, dorstone.org.ukSNEAKY SNAKE``````The Serpent TrailIf you’re a sucker for a challenge, this trail race will be right up your street.Take your pick from the 10K or half marathon, or upgrade to some seriousultra action with the 50km or 100km events. Expect a mixture of sandy paths,woodland tracks and quiet country roads – plus a few sneaky ascents – as youmake your way through the South Downs National Park.Hampshire, July 7, serpenttrailrace.com``````FOLLOW THE CLUES``````Secret Half in the NorthAspiring sleuths will love this quirkyevent. Teams of six meet at a secretlocation near Highgate beforeattempting to solve what theorganisers call an ‘abominablemurder from 1873’. Armed with amap, runners then speed throughthe leafy streets of north London,unearthing clues, interrogatingsuspects and extracting vitalinformation along the way.London, July 1, secretlondonruns.com``````The Brainplant Stingin the Tail 10KThe Sting has earned a reputationas a friendly, fun event. The first7km will allow you to soak up theLincolnshire countryside, but thefinal 3km take a sinister uphill turn- the titular sting in the tail. Thegood news is that finishers willbe rewarded with free beer andsausages for their efforts. Seems fair.Lincolnshire, July 8,caistorrunningclub.comThe Fen GallopThe 10K Fen Gallop manages to packa variety of terrain into a shortdistance, so come prepared tonavigate everything from asphaltroads to dirt tracks and bridlewaysbefore you hit the finish line at theWillingham Recreation Ground.There is also a four-mile option anda mini sprint for younger runners.Cambridgeshire, July 8,fengallop.co.ukWORDS: RHALOUALLERHAND.*BASED ON AN RWONLINE POLLOF397RUNNERS