Dukeries 40 mile Ultra report by Kirsty Harvey.

Dukeries Ultra report by Kirsty Harvey.

Under new management this year Dukeries offers a choice of three distances, 10, 30 or 40 miles & I chose to do the 40 – partly for the challenge but also because I’m doing a multi-day in July where the long day is 42m so I felt that this would be great practice. My race started at 7.30 so I stayed in a nearby Travelodge (so I didn’t have to get up too early) and with a surprisingly sunny morning ( why do I ever check the forecasts?) everyone was in very good spirits on the start line.

The circular course meanders through Sherwood Forest where you get a glimpse of the famous ‘Major Oak tree’, visits the beautiful Cresswell Crags and also goes through Clumber Park before working your way back to the start/finish at Walesby Sports Club. There were checkpoints at 7, 18, 24 & 34 miles with snacks, water and juice available and lovely helpful marshals. The weather remained perfect for running & I found myself enjoying the run and gradually catching up and even overtaking several runners who had set off quite a bit quicker than me which was a lovely boost. Whenever I saw someone in front it encouraged me to try a bit harder to catch them – it wasn’t always successful but you can always hope! The course was very dry but with about 13m to go I took a little detour round the only bit of mud on the path and promptly fell over a tree root, stubbing my toe very hard at the same time. Fortunately it didn’t stop me running although the air was a bit blue! After the last checkpoint at 34m I realised I was slowing down a bit and despite my best efforts it took me a bit longer than I hoped to do the final few miles, finally finishing in 7.15 – about 30 mins faster than last year so I was still happy with the time.

The new organiser Ronnie had promised a well marked course with no navigation issues and he certainly delivered – I missed one turning which added about 5 minutes but it was entirely my fault as once I retraced my steps there was the red and white tape, clear as day! There were also marshals on some of the less obvious turns just in case.

The race is changing its name next year and will come under Hobo Pace I understand but if you fancy a very scenic tour of Nottinghamshire then choose your distance and give it a go next year.image (1)