by Nicky Chrascina
The Far Side 12 Hour
The inaugural running of this race. Choices of 10km, 6 hours or 12 hours, all run on a 5.3m circuit , starting and finishing in Westbury. The 10kers doing a lap of a field to make up the distance.
Maggie, Anne and I were all doing the 12 hour as part of our training for other events. We knew it was going to be hilly, but did not anticipate the mud.
We set off at 11am full of smiles and looking forward to a day out in the countryside, despite the rain. 5 mins in we were met by ankle deep mud and puddles. The start of far worse was to come. The first hill was steep and very slippery - wet chalk! We clambered up slowly knowing that later we would come down it back to the aid station. We had been warned to descend carefully and not attempt to run down - no chance of that.
Once at the top there was a nice even trot passing a beautiful avenue of trees complete with many carved messages of love - one dating back to 1941, and lovely view across Westbury. Sadly this did not last long. A muddy path, followed by a steep descent and longer ascent. At the highest point of the circuit, a flat tar road for about 3/4 of a mile offered some respite. It was then down through more gloop, up again then the dreaded slippery slip before checking into the aid station. All in all approx 850 feet of elevation per lap! And repeat, repeat until time is up or you come to your senses and head home for a hot shower!
Friendly marshalls, fantastic spread of food and hot drinks. Hot meal from 6pm and lovely wooden medals made this an “enjoyable” event.
We all changed into dry clothes half way through and spent longer than usual in the food tent after each circuit- just to gear ourselves up for the dreaded hills. The course deteriorated with every round and many runners, including Mags and Anne fell over. Mags managed 5 circuits and Anne and I squeezed in 6. Did I enjoy it? Yes! Would I do it again? Yes but might do the 6 hour if the weather is so bad next year.
12 HOURS RESULTS:
- Mark Barnett - 9 laps - 47.7 miles - 7,650 ft elevation - 9 hrs 54 mins
- Mick Farrar - 7 laps - 37.1 miles - 5,950 ft elevation - 11 hrs 6 mins
- Dean Talbot - 7 laps - 37.1 miles - 5,950 ft elevation - 11 hrs 48 mins
- Mary Devally - 6 laps - 31.8 miles- 5,100 ft elevation - 7 hrs 21 mins
- Richard Corp - 6 laps - 31.8 miles- 5,100 ft elevation - 9 hrs 58 mins
- Anne Kelly - 6 laps - 31.8 miles- 5,100 ft elevation - 11 hrs 6 mins
- Nicky Chrasinca - 6 laps - 31.8 miles- 5,100 ft elevation - 11 hrs 6 mins
- Robert Gale - 5 laps - 26.5 miles - 4,250 ft elevation - 6 hrs 45 mins
- Neal Cox - 5 laps - 26.5 miles - 4,250 ft elevation - 7 hrs 48 mins
- Margaret Hill - 5 laps - 26.5 miles - 4,250 ft elevation - 8 hrs 28 mins
- Ian Chidgey - 5 laps - 26.5 miles - 4,250 ft elevation - 8 hrs 28 mins
- Neil Wheeler - 5 laps - 26.5 miles - 4,250 ft elevation - 8 hrs 49 mins
- Helen Bennett - 4 laps - 21.2 miles - 3,400 ft elevation - 4 hrs 27 mins
- Sarah Cowburn - 4 laps - 21.2 miles - 3,400 ft elevation - 6 hrs 14 mins
- Tracie Baines - 3 laps - 15.9 miles - 2,500 ft elevation - 6 hrs 15 mins
Anne still enjoying herself.... must be early on!
Photo of the year award for this shot!
Maggie after a face plant ! 😀.... that Lady is as tough as nails!
Nice views.
Up and down hills all day long....
