2008 TrailPlus HellRunner: Hell Down South
Hellish Fun!
Rob Howard / 21.11.2008
There were over 2500 entries this year, though only 1900 set off, some of them a little late as a result of a big traffic jam on the A3! (Some tree loping at the road side caused this and the start was delayed by 15 minutes.) Fortunately, it was a fine day, ideal for racing, and Wilf’s were on hand, so waiting was no great hardship.
It was a huge start line, patrolled by the ‘devil on stilts’ and once the gun went it took a while for everyone to file across and set off along the track, passing under a Bailey Bridge as they went. (Timing chips ensured all were accurately timed from crossing the start mat.)
The course was very similar to last year, with just a few minor changes, and as always the hardest challenges came at the end, starting with the infamous ‘Bog of Doom’. This flooded, mud-lined trench was lined with spectators keen to watch the action, and the longer the race went on, the deeper the mud got. And the worse the smell!
Not long after came a crossing of a small lake, and to those new to the race this was an unpleasant surprise. Many arrived at the top of the very steep muddy bank they had to descend, looked at the water and said, “You have to be joking!� For a while the stilt-walking devil was even standing in the lake to greet (and abuse) them as orange smoke flares went off.
On most the water was chest high – and it as COLD. The exit was just as steep and the more runners who clambered up, the more slippery it got, until it became one long mud slope!
The last big challenge was the ‘Hills of Hell’, the sand dunes in the tank training area, which were another popular spot for spectators and if they were quick they could get back to the finish line to see the muddy, happy, exhausted finishers.
The winner this year was Will Clark of Epsom & Ewell Harriers in a time of 1.03.09, which was a little quicker than last years winning time. The fastest lady was Sarah Rollins of the British Army Orienteering Club in 1.13.25, which was 30th overall.
For most the time was secondary to the experience and to successfully finishing, and there were some large club groups and good fancy dress outfits, including devils, angels, Batman and Robin, and a large contingent of smurfs! The last runners across the line were Debbie Everson and Carolyn Worthington in 3.02.28.
Full results are on www.hellrunner.co.uk and all the pictures from the day are on sale in our Photos Section.
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