Lundy Lundy.... (and Badwater and stuff)

Well, better late than never. That’s what I hear you say about this most recent edition of Race Report and the RAIN! Yes, I know. I’m happy that it finally rained. I only hope that the weather gods see fit to give school children a good slice of sunshine this Summer.

Sleeping with yoghurt.

Well, someone who got more than a big slice and an extra dollop of sunshine was Ali Young. More than £5000 raised for Maggie’s hospice charity in the Wirral, temperatures topping 48 degrees centigrade, 14,600 ft of ascent and 135 miles through Death Valley: just a few Badwater stats. But if that record of superhuman endurance wasn’t enough, what about the fact that Ali was 3rd female, 13th overall (out of 99) and the fastest British woman ever at Badwater. Ali’s time was 28 hours and 56 minutes. She is back in action in October, once again in Albi, France, for the world 24-hour running championships. Badwater? Badass is more like it. 

---

Ben with his Puffin medal

Just before Ali kicked off in California, Ben Hannen was in action in the 9th edition of the Lundy Island Race. Here is his exclusive report. (Thank you, Ben!):

“Lundy is a small island about 10 miles off the Devon coast in the Bristol Channel.  It’s 3 miles long and just over half a mile wide at its widest.  This means the half marathon covers pretty much all of the island. One of the things that makes it tougher is the descent to the lighthouse and then ascent back up the steep steps at around the 9 or 10 mile point.

This year it wasn’t a boiling hot sunny day. The cooler temperatures were nice, the northerly winds not so much. Logically, I thought the wind would be behind me at some point, but that was never noticeably the case!  I set out with the aim to try and better last year’s 2h 06 and to finish under 2 hours, but in the end only managed to knock 3 mins off my time.  
​
I would highly recommend this race.  Places are limited to 250, which is the boat’s capacity. After that the other options are to either make your own way to the island or book a stay.  It’s a really friendly event and depending on how do it, you either get to travel on the boat with other runners, or stay on the island and socialise.  Most of the people camping were running the the race, with some having come from as far as the Netherlands to get the popular puffin medal.  As no one can leave as soon as they finish, people relax near the finish, just outside the tavern encouraging others and enjoying the refreshments available.  Next year’s race is 28th June. Most of the 23 properties are already booked for next year, but there is probably still camping available.  The boat is over half full already.  I am already booked for next year and it would be great to see some other Harriers there – ask me if you want any more information.” More details available here: 
https://outeredge-events.com/lundy/

---

And in case you missed it: Chiltern Harriers had no less than ten athletes in action at the prestigious English Schools Championships, 11 - 12 July. Three came away with a medal, including a victory and Championship record in the 1500m steeplechase for Evelyn Wildman. (Steve Perkin is reported to have been “one very proud coach”.) Please do read Steve’s full report here. As someone who always felt completely over-matched on the track as a junior, I am in continual awe of our talented young athletes, whose confidence and humility do themselves and our Club proud. 

As you’ve survived this far, I’ll treat you to a few final musings. 

Firstly, a huge thank you to those who helped out and supported at the Chesham Hats Off Festival last weekend - 12 July. The biggest shout out is for Miriam Kempson, who somehow avoided sunstroke to pull an all-day-er on the CHAC stand. It was great to see the youngsters of Chesham tearing up and down the High Street in our shuttle run challenge. The event, which provides free activities for children, is an absolute credit to the organisers at Chesham Council. Big shout out to the Hickman family for their role in organising and making sure the CHAC tent stood up.

Secondly, I can’t wait for the Club’s new beginners / intermediate offering for seniors to kick off in the Autumn. I met up today with two fellow run leaders who’ll be spearheading the new group, and I can promise you that there is some real passion there to both make the Club offering more inclusive, and to bring new talent up the ranks. So far we are a very (entirely) female cohort. If you want to change that, or make it even more female, email [email protected]. The Club will pay for your qualification - Leadership in Running Fitness - and, from what I have experienced so far, it is genuinely not difficult or time-consuming. The qualification is the first step to becoming a full coach (if that is something which you think you might be interested in.)

Thirdly (and finally), Race Report is driven by the Club Calendar (and my ability to track what you lovely people are getting up to on social media). If you see any local races which are missing from the Club Calendar, please let me know by emailing [email protected].

COMING UP LOCALLY: Last Friday of the Month 5k, Trust 10k, the Bearbrook 10k, Second Sunday 5, Burnham Beeches 10k and Half Marathon. Details, as ever, on the Calendar.
A NOTE ABOUT RACE REPORT: If you have done an event, or know that someone else has, ping a quick email to [email protected] to make sure it is included in a future iteration of Race Report.