Ups and Downs in Dorset
Several Romsey Road Runners headed down to Lulworth in Dorset for stage three of Endurance Life’s Coastal Trail Series on 6 December. Endurance Life specialise in organising tough, challenging races in incredibly beautiful locations. It was a bright but chilly winter’s day – and perfect conditions to enjoy the stunningly course along the Jurassic Coast Path, with a calm, royal blue sea as the backdrop.
Starting with ultra distance was Romsey runner, Duncan Walling. He bravely completed a distance of 45 miles including 10,500 feet of ascent in a time of 10 hours and 57 minutes. He was placed 79th out the 110 finishers. A total of runners 166 started the event and presumably the others are still tackling those hills!
Becks Marriner was the next to start, completing her second marathon of the series; she finished in 5:19:16.
Romsey was then represented by three runners in the half marathon, the extreme-grade course – extending to more than 16 miles – looping from Lulworth Cove, past Durdle Door then back to Lulworth and along the beach before leading eastwards on a longer loop through Bindon Hillfort, past Worbarrow Bay and through deserted Tyneham Village and the army ranges back to Lulworth. With an ascent of more than 3,500 feet, it was a testing course. “It’s survival!” said one of the team, faced with stiff climb on the return leg. Jade Rolfe was the first home in 3:22:44, 174th overall, followed by Di Cross in 3:58:57 (first in her age category) and Alice Lane in 3:59:16, who ran together.
In the 10k event, Anna Duigan finished in 1:28:30 and Wendy Couper in 1:31:40.
Away from the Endurance Life, but also in Dorset, on 23rd November, John Quayle completed the Boscombe 10k in a time of 45:12.