On Saturday 15th April, I ran the 75km route of the Spring Trail Series. The race takes place on the Serpentine Trail and is a stunning route through the greensand hills, river woodland and lowland heath of the South Downs. The race started and finished at Haslemere.
Weather conditions were ideal and it was a really lovely route. The race organisers provided signage, but it was certainly beneficial to have the GPX downloaded. I helped prevent several people going wrong! It was quite an undulating course, which was very soggy and muddy underfoot. It was my first time running this course and it was a great day out; aided by my lovely son, who has only recently passed his driving test, providing the necessary transport.
The winning male time was 6:32:18 and the first woman finished in 8:23:12. I finished 15th overall, and third woman in 8:55:29. The event offered three distances – 75km, 50 km and 25 km – so something for everyone.
A really enjoyable day – so much easier than road marathon running!
Tara Taylor