ForEliteAtheletes to FunRunners
01732 452404
19
9th April 2017
RACE : BLOG
Waves set off in numerical order and most seemed
to stick to this, a nice flat start, some tyres to
bundle over, a crawl and a sharp right turn out of
sight into unknown territory. Along the way I mainly
experienced and observed, laughter, crawling,
laughter, slipping, laughter, sliding, laughter, climbing
and more laughter. Obstacles were really very good.
Not so technically challenging that only the elitist of
the elite can achieve them, more like give it a good
shot, maybe need a little shove and most will manage
it. We all welcome a little nudge and a shove by a
complete stranger on course, it’s how some of the
best friendships are formed you know.
Terrain was a brilliant mix of hills and beautiful
countryside, the woodland was a stunning area to run
in and it far better suited me.
That slide, what can I say? Well, as I mentioned
earlier, I wish I’d remembered the advised arm
position, not in front of my face as all that did was
spray water into my clenched tight closed eyes and
screwed up face, suffice to say I took some of that
water home as it seemed to persist in spraying me
and I swallowed my fair share before it dawned on
me arms to the side woman, arms to the side!!!
Everything after that was just run on adrenaline, I
was on such a natural high. It’s probably the longest
and most fun slide I’ve been on to date, I’d have
done it again and again if I was allowed.
So the journey to the finish line was all that
remained. A good few obs to finish, some water filled
ditches which I might add are deeper than they
looked and caught out some rather unsuspecting
participants.
With the finish line in sight and a consistent string
of supporters on the side lines cheering everyone
on, none of whom wanted a muddy hug I might
add (I can’t think why!) it was a brilliant way to
finish a race. Final obstacles in front of all to see
and the huge inflatable finish line in absolute prime
position, it was a proud moment passing under it. I
felt absolute exhilaration as we came to a final stop
and caught our breath. With a muddy hug for all
the wonderful marshals on the finish line (I think
between us we got them all) goodie bags collected,
we made our way to the warm(ish) showers. The
mud took some convincing to wash away and I’m
sure if I looked hard enough I’d still find traces of it
today. I was literally covered from head to toe, not an
inch of skin left bare.
For me, it was my first Wolf Run, I’m really hoping
it’s not my last.
The 4-hour round trip was worth it. Despite my
singing companion!
Whether you’re a Wolf run virgin like I was, a
seasoned Wolf runner or just need a gentle reminder
of what OCR is all about. This needs to be on your
race calendar.
So, to summarise: Pre Race – Location, signage,
parking, registration, key drop, toilets, warm up,
start… All brilliant.
Mid Race – terrain, views, hills, mud, obstacles,
use of the land (and water), marshals, water stops,
photographers, Haribo… Again, all equally brilliant.
Post Race – Epic t-shirt, showers, bar, food, coffee,
seating, shaded cover, ice cream, bouncy castle.
I think you know by now… yes, brilliant.
I can’t really recommend this race enough.
There is no medal or timing chip but knowing that
before hand meant it didn’t come as a shock, it would
be nice to have a bit of bling to hang on my wall but
I’ll settle for wearing the tee instead. Putting that
aside, it’s clear to see why this is an award winning
event and I’d guarantee there are more to come.
WOLF RUN
2017 Calendar
Summer
03-04 JUNE
Autumn
02-03 SEPT
Winter
04-05 NOV
WE HOPE TO SEE
YOU THERE
A muddy hug
for all the
wonderful
marshals on
the finish line
(I think
between us we
got them all!)
I wish I’d
remembered
the advised
arm position,
not in front of
my face...
