Maverick racers were out in force on Jurassic Coast
New trail ultra is supported by almost 500 runners
The Maverick Race company has been back in action for real since August with comprehensive COVID-secure measures at venues with a surfeit of fresh air and open space. The latest event to be held was the Maverick Adidas Terrex X-Ultra Jurassic Coast 2020, with just under 500 runners spread across four race distances.
Maverick Adidas Terrex X-Ultra Jurassic Coast is new for 2020 and is set in the heart of Poole-based Maverick country. There is a choice for every standard of trail runner from the 14K 'Short' race to the 53K ultramarathon – which impressively attracted the highest entry with 175 finishers inside 10 hours.
The pre-race description promised: “an invigorating adventure around the Isle of Purbeck and along part of the 95-mile stretch of the famous Jurassic Coast”. All routes started just outside the picturesque village of Corfe Castle and the longest race went to the very tip of the Purbeck Hills at St. Aldhelm’s Head before a 20K stretch along the coastal path, with unparalleled views of the English Channel and the distinctive white chalky cliffs ahead.
The top three in the 53K ultra were Alex Van-Tuyl (M40, 4:32:50), Maxime Lelong (4:53:24) and Richard Marriott (M40, 4:59:14). The women's leaders were Marta Vigano (5:40:01), Caroline Stanzel (6:10:53) and Lucy Sacarello (6:15:31).
The 'Long' course was a little over marathon distance at 44K and the winners here were Lewis Ryan (3:57:27) and Louisa Robbins (4:28:05) – finishing third overall. There were 68 finishers in 7:20:33.
Unsurprisingly, the 'Middle' distance race was a half marathon, with 137 finishers in 2:45:50 and the winners were Dale Seddon (1:14:43) and Jenny Marshall (1:29:55).
Short course finishers numbered 91, in 2:32:13, and first back to base were under-20 junior Ed Bird (44:58) and Elissa O'Brien (55:07).
Full results are available at runABC South race listing here
Image courtesy Maverick Race on facebook