On form for off-road action at Beckbury Trail
Leave the tarmac behind (well, almost) and enjoy the scenery at this treat of a run.
Time waits for no man or woman as they say and in a little over ten days the Beckbury Trail will be underway. On Sunday 20 November, runners will be haring along at this attractive and testing off-road race with 10K of hills, descents and cheerful, supportive marshals. They’ll put their foot down for the downhill sprint to the finish and an outsized medal...
If you are looking to go wild in the country after a season on the roads then here is the ideal race in which to do so. The 10K Beckbury Trail from Lawley Running Club takes in some delightful parts of Shropshire as it makes its way in and around this rural village and parish. The infamous Badgers Bite Hill is there for runners to get their teeth into.
There is a five minute walk from Beckbury Village Hall and the Race HQ to the start on a field. Everyone speeds away from there at 11am to follow an undulating to hilly route on paths and tracks, passing through a forest resplendent in autumn colours at this time of year. The route passes through Badger where a teeth gritting climb waits before gathering momentum ahead of the last gasp dash at the end.
Any fears about getting lost are allayed as the course is marked and marshalled and there'll be a great deal of encouragement from them and the volunteers at the drinks station.
An off-road course combined with inclement weather means mud and plenty of it! Leave the box fresh trainers at home and opt for trail footwear instead to help you keep a grip on things.
A large medal, goody bag and water are the reward for each (possibly) muddy and happy finisher.
Image courtesy of Chris Richards.