Top trail running in Fitstuff G3 Series
'Proper Running' in the spectacular Surrey Hills AONB
Around 200 runners contested the final Fitstuff G3 Series race of 2021 at Newlands Corner, Guildford in the spectacular Surrey Hills AONB on Saturday (20 November). This was the third event in the delayed competition that saw different courses and venues utilised on 23 October and 6 November in a truncated series due to Covid postponements.
Toby Jenkins of Atomic Events hosts Fitstuff G3 Series, following the acquisition of his former company, AAT events, by The Race Organiser in August last year. Fans of Fitstuff G3 Series, with its no-nonsense approach and the simple aim to be the best in off-road trail running, will be delighted the concept has been retained and already looking forward to next year's series starting on 22 January.
The event website promised 'Proper Running' and both the 10K and 15K options delivered in spades at the weekend. The surface at Newlands Corner varies from packed gravel to soft sand with plenty of undulating pasturelands and woodland trails for good measure – a true test of the all-round capabilities of the trail runner.
The top three in the 10K were all M40 masters: Lee Morgan (48:59), Paul Maysey (51:41) and Steven Kitchener (51:43). The women's race was won by W40 Francesca Sist (55:07) – pictured above, centre (#598) with, from left, Charlotte Houghton, Garry Moore, Angus Cowan, and Paul Maysey.
Francesca was 12th overall and was joined on the women's podium by Lucy Green (58:53) and Annie Roberts (1:01:05) as just 19 of the 111 finishers beat the hour on this tough course.
There were 95 gluttons for punishment who opted for the 15K course and the leading trio were Ben Goddard (1:03:35), Fabien Lassonde (M40, 1:04:32) and Will Harper-Penrose (1:06:56).
Three W40 masters led the women's field: Christine Robinson (1:25:25), Elly Flemington (1:35:00) and Wendy Newnham (1:37:37).
Fitstuff G3 Series welcomes experienced trail runners and novices alike with awesome marshals, challenging courses, great medals, and t-shirts. Not to mention the homemade brownies and flapjacks!
For more information visit the G3 Series website here
Results available at runABC South race listing here
Image courtesy G3 Race Series on Facebook