The Steeple Chase
Winchester Abbey – Kings Somborne Church – Mottisfont Abbey – Romsey Abbey
What is it?
- Club Christmas Social run free to all RRR members
- Four distances available – you choose which you do
- Self-guided – run solo or with buddies
- All four routes finish at Romsey Abbey at 2pm
- Drink at the Cocky Anchor pub in Romsey afterwards
- Join the Steeple Chase WhatsApp group for more info and to find friends to run with
Four distance options
- 19 ish miles – Winchester Cathedral to Romsey Abbey
- 13 ish miles – Farley Mount to Romsey Abbey
- 10 miles – Kings Somborne to Romsey Abbey
- 5.5 miles – Mottisfont to Romsey Abbey
- GPX files and maps of the four routes available (here)
- The routes follow the Clarendon & Test Way footpaths between Winchester and Romsey and are mainly along trails with some small road sections and one or two road crossings
How it works
- Choose the distance you want to run
- Download the GPX/ paper map of the route
- Work back from a 2pm finish time at the Abbey to find your start time (e.g. if it’s going to take you 4 hours to run 19 miles, then you start at Winchester Cathedral at 10am; if it’s going to take you an hour to run 5 miles then you start at Mottisfont at 1pm)
- Sign up to the Steeple Chase Whatsapp group (message Sue Stileman on 07754 701453 to join) to get the latest information/ be notified of any changes and to find friends to run with
- Come to the Cocky Anchor pub at 2pm when you finish for a celebratory drink
Things to know
- This is a self-guided run along (mostly) trails in winter
- There won’t be any marshals on the routes
- There are some sections of road and some road crossings on all the routes so please take care on these (see risk assessment before running please)
- Make sure you have the correct kit for the conditions eg: trail shoes, hat, gloves, waterproof, long-sleeved top, high viz if the visibility is low.
- Take some warm, dry kit to change into at the end
- Take a small first aid kit (survival blanket; plasters; antiseptic wipe; bandage)
- Ensure you have adequate food/ water for the distance
- Take a fully charged mobile with you in case of emergency
- Please let us know you are running either by contacting Sue Stileman or via the Steeple Chase WhatsApp group
Maps
Risk Assessment
Full risk assessment available here, but the headlines are:
- Road sections/ road crossings/ traffic – please beware of vehicles and other road users
- Public footpaths so keep an eye out for walkers/ cyclists/ dogs/ other users of the path
- Fields to cross- beware of any livestock that may be present
- Roots, low-hanging branches, uneven ground, rabbit holes, vegetation, puddles, mud, stones underfoot – be aware of trip hazards
- Inclement weather: wet, cold, icy – dress appropriately and be aware of underfoot conditions
- Accidents/ falls- take first aid kit and notify Sue Stileman of any incidents on 07754 701453