Rather than run around the environs of Canterbury on Sunday, I drove to Leatherhead to run around the Surrey footpaths and bridalways in the 45 Winter Tanners.
The Winter Tanners is a challenge event put on by the LDWA for walkers and runners. There are two routes on offer – a 20 and 30 miler.
I ran around the 30 mile course in 5 hours 35 minutes. In contrast to the frozen ground at Dunloran Park on Saturday, the ground was very muddy. This was the third time I’d done the event. The course, however, was completely different. There were good views of Denbies Wine Estate and lots of wintery woodland to run through. No matter what time of year, it’s always enjoyable running in the Surrey hills.
Despite the milder weather, the wind picked up as the day progressed and, at one stage, it felt like I was making no forward progress. Fortunately, the rain held off.
I’d really recommend all LDWA challenges. They are well organised with a detailed route description and GPX to follow, have well stocked aid stations and they are cheap to enter.