Race Report: the psychedelic endurance edition

It’s been another brilliant weekend for Chiltern Harriers, with a focus on endurance running.

First up a few late entries, a big shoutout to Lauren Mayot who tackled the Ridge Off Roader Half Marathon on 17 May. By all accounts it was a fantastic event – tough, hilly, but set in beautiful surroundings and with a really friendly atmosphere. Lauren crossed the line in a very solid 2:06, which is no mean feat on a course like that.
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Also on 17 May, Louise Elphick joined fellow Harriers at the Run Prestwood 10k, coming home in a 56:53. Simac Konkader earned himself a shiny new 10k PB of 53.08 at the Hemel Hempstead 10k.

Moving on to this weekend, something a little different was going on in London with “Arc Project 4” – a self-professed attempt to create one of the most ambitious endurance events ever conceived. The idea? A 24-hour treadmill relay inside a psychedelic simulation (yes, really!). Ali Young and team took on the challenge and came home an impressive 10th out of 40 teams – a brilliant result in what sounds like a seriously intense and unique event.

And finally, some truly epic achievements from the Ridgeway events. Tim Judson conquered the full Ridgeway Challenge – a staggering 86 miles – finishing in an incredible 25:50:33. Absolutely phenomenal endurance!

The shorter (but still very demanding) distances saw more strong performances. Chris Pitkin completed the Ridgeway Chase 60k in 9:46:22 – another fantastic effort on a tough course. It wasn’t the day everyone hoped for everyone though, with Tim Dutfield battling through 54 miles in under 17 hours before retiring on the Challenge event, and Ben Hannen sadly having to stop at the third checkpoint on the Chase. Even getting that far in events like these (and the heat that we saw yesterday) is a huge achievement and deserves recognition.

Well done everyone!

Before you go, check out Steve P’s latest reports from track and field events at the Watford Open, Youth Development League Upper Age Group and Southern Athletics League here.

COMING UP LOCALLY: Penn 7, Bucks Schools Championship, Second Sunday 5, the MK24, Cliveden Classic, Misbourne Trail Race, Southern Athletics League and the Thame 10k. Check out these events and more in the Club Calendar.
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SOMETHING OR SOMEONE MISSING FROM RACE REPORT: Don’t forget, if you do an event (or know someone who did), send the results and any photos to [email protected] . You can send any events that are missing for the Calendar to the same address.