Here we are again. Although the weather outside is pretty naff, close your eyes and dream of a sunny Sunday in June, wafting along a beautiful part of Great English History (Have you ever tried wafting? Much more fun than running….). The Ridgeway is supposed to be the oldest road in Britain…still in better condition than some roads around here, though! A fantastic day out, topped off with a pub social in the evening.
This fabulous event is an invitation only, true Club Event, with WRR paying to enter (£65 per team), so no cost to you. We are allowed to enter up to three teams, but some strict rules about team composition, make it anything but straightforward. The event is over 100 miles, split into 10 legs of varying difficulty and length. More than one runner can complete each leg, but only one is a nominated counter, the other(s) classed as ‘Buddy Runners”, so several of you can run as a group. However, although counting in the results, if the any winning team has any BR’s, then they are disqualified, as per EA rules (its classed as coaching/pacemaking). Seems harsh but thems the rules!
This is an event for ALL abilities, very inclusive, so don’t be put off, thinking its an elite event. It certainly is not, and we have distances to suit all abilities. I just love seeing a lot of WRR vests out there!
Because of the complexities of team composition, I ask everyone for their distance and time of day slot preferences, but cannot promise to accommodate that fully. I will try my best but ask for as much flexibility as possible.
You also need to arrange your own logistics, i.e getting to the start of your leg, and transport home from the end.
Our Club Team Captains, Bertie Field and Sam Upton, Melanie Cassidy and Lucy Harris, will be asking around to see who would like to compete in this prestigious event, so please have a think if you’d like to have a go and either let them or me know AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, please? Its a tricky job sorting the Teams, so I really do need a much time as possible, as there are a lot of logistics involved as well.
I plan to put a more detailed breakdown of the mechanics of the relay in the newsletter probably in two weeks as we are away next weekend. In the meantime you can Google Ridgeway Relay, and go to the Marlborough Running Club website to see more details. Talk to to the Team Caps, or drop me a line if you’d like more info,
We also need more supporters out on the course, so get friends, family etc out there, bring a picnic and make a day of it!
Look forward to seeing you all take part!
Steve Hopkins