It's time to sign for Rugged Radnage

On Sunday 16th November 2014 I ran the Rugged Radnage 10k a race created as a fundraiser for Radnage Primary School.

Billed as a challenging mixed terrain course in the Chiltern hills surrounding the lovely village of Radnage this was to be something I hadn't really tried before.

I had toyed with running this race a couple of time having chatted to Race Director Denis Currie-Godbolt (Denis the Menace) on line, however on previous occasions had been thwarted by injury. This year I was ready! Well actually I wasn't but I was fit enough to have a go at least.

I had checked the race web site a few times looking at the terrain and seeing pictures of strong looking hardened runners tackling the course, and the course itself? Wow! To say I was filled with a little trepidation was an understatement.

I had been promised mud, fun and a killer final climb all of which was forthcoming.

Radnage is easily accessible via junction 5 on the M40 and as I drove closer the race was well signposted.

On entering the village you could immediately tell there was a bit of a buzz, friendly villagers happy to direct you to car parks and the race HQ. I got the feeling that this was an event that the whole village had got behind, it felt very welcoming.

I walked from the car park to the race HQ, easily collecting my number and entering the full of other eager runners.
Coffee, cakes, bacon rolls and hotdogs were all available for those a little peckish, I settled for a coffee as my tummy was not feeling the food love at this particular time.
I have no idea why I get so race nervous, it's not like I stand a chance of winning or anything but internally anyone would think I was entering the world cross country finals, loon!

It was in the hall I met up with a great group of online running buddies including Mike and his wife who I'd met at Manchester and Chester, Johnny who was part of 7 days 7 runners and I'd not had a chance to meet before and Martyn a more local chap to me who again I hadn't met.

The three Amigos !

There were actually a great group of online runners, all exceptionally friendly and easy to get on with even if, from a running perspective, I was one of the weaker links.
I also got to meet the organisational genius that is Denis, Hi Viz on, clipboard in hand and very friendly and welcoming to all.

We congregated outside for a group pic before Johnny, Martyn and I had a little loosening jog then listened to the race briefing.

Picture courtesy of Mrs Dunsrunner

The route

All runners were led to the start, the horn sounded and we were off!

Picture Donal Phipps

The first kilometre was along small country lanes before being directed off to the right into some woods and to where the real fun began, a steep decent on slippery ground mixed with wet leaves, stones, tree roots and deep mud. Johnny had spoken to me before the race and suggested that you just have to go for it on the descents as being cautious is more likely to end up with you landing on your backside.
I followed his advice as best I could trying to thread my way down the best route avoiding landing on my heels and causing natural braking, this was fun!

Upon reaching the bottom there was a relatively flat section of track albeit the garmin showed it as a slight incline, time to allow my heart to stop racing from the running downhill excitement.

Mile one 9:15
Mile two 9:08

I ran between puddles enjoying the countryside and wondering what would come next.

I didn't have to wait long, shortly into mile three a steep muddy incline through the trees, like really steep, really muddy and real trees. The trail was narrow here and 6 people ahead of me had started walking, now I have no idea if I could have actually run this section (I suspect not) but the other runners prevented me making a fool of myself and falling flat on my face.

Mile three 11:53

Upon reaching the top with quads burning I fired my legs up again and began to run, a long downhill stretch again now, tricky and boggy underfoot in areas but totally fantastic and a beautiful area to run through.

One of the Radnage mum's and a great photographer took this pic as she laid at the side of the trail camera poised to catch runners coming through (around 6k).

Picture courtesy of Claire Greenway Photography

Next was a water station, I was handed a cup of water as I ran through managing to almost, but not quite completely pour it all down my chin.
Chin refreshed I ran on.

Mile four 8:46
Mile five 8:35

We had joined a small lane at this stage and began a fairly steep little section. As we approached the top a guy was shouting "Don't look right", what do you do in this situation? Well you look right of course!
I looked right and saw a stream of runners slowly winding their way up the final hill, a long, long, long looking hill, "Oh good" I thought to myself (That's a lie).

Fortunately there was a downhill track first,  I thought I'd use this to gain momentum for the climb, hahaha!

Reaching the bottom it started, muddy, steep, leg sapping, every step my trainers picked up more mud and my feet became heavier, every step my quads screamed a little bit more, I was walking by this stage as was everyone else and it hurt, a lot.

Somehow I managed to overtake a few on the climb but by the time I reached the top I was wrecked, I saw Mike who was cheering other runners on and waiting for his wife Sarah having already finished. There was about 150m to go, I ran again, legs like jelly but still managed to pull something of a run finish out of the locker.

Mile six 11:19
Final bit 9:12 pace

How it looked on Garmin

I was given a smart medal and a goody bag with water, a mars bar and other bits and pieces, it was done and I was knackered.

Finish time 61:35

I met Martyn who had finished ahead of me in under the hour and went in to collect our gear, change and grab a cuppa and a much needed bacon roll.

We met everyone else and chatted about the race and results, everyone had a great morning, Mike and Johnny achieving 51.41 and 52.01 respectively, I finished in a credible if not amazing position of 253 out of 374.

So the race and would I recommend it? HELL YES! for a number of reasons

Organisation  - Fab
Race route - Excellent but challenging
Parking - Easy
Amenities - Great range of food, good toilets
Atmosphere - Friendly and inclusive
Marshalls - Brilliant and supportive

Will I be back next year ?
I very much hope so!

Thanks Radnage !

Officially Rugged! Picture courtesy of Claire Greenway Photography

This years race is on the 15th November 2015 at 10am and entries are open now and you can register HERE