Race report by Martin Greenough

 

 

Occasionally- very occasionally- there is something novel and interesting in ‘Runners’ World’. We ended up in the middle of the Chiltern hills as a result of the featured race in last month’s edition. The Midsummer Murder is a ten miler (actually 10.4) with the option of running a ‘half marathon’ version (actually 14.3). The race is named, not because it is difficult (it is) but because much of the route takes in locations from ITV’s iconic show. It is truly beautiful around there but I would think twice before moving there as your chances of lasting a year before being clubbed to death with a rowing oar are slim if the show is anything to go by.

The race begins and ends on the green in the village of Hambledon in the shadow of the Elizabethan manor house once owned by the Earl of Cardigan who led the Charge of the Light Brigade. While not quite being in the valley of death, the first mile is tough – uphill and steep. In fact there are five ascents – more if you choose the half marathon route but once in the hills the views are breathtaking.

This was a well-organised, small scale but serious affair run by Racingline running with the help of an army of cheerful marshals. You get a medal with a working windmill on it – it doesn’t mill grain into OO pasta flour but it does twirl! This is because your turnaround point at the top of a hill is the windmill featured in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

A couple of interesting sidenotes – more women than men ran this race and the first three women home were all V50 (more importantly Mrs Greenough was second female and has the coaster to prove it!)

Striders Results: