Bob Yate’s 60th birthday celebrations are gathering pace after taking on his biggest race yet – running the 66 miles XNRG Pilgrims Challenge – in preparation his epic Lands End to John O’Groates challenge in May.
Bob tells us how it’s going so far…
With over 100 miles done…over 1000 to go, the day started with the cold grey morning so typical of this winter. However as Alfred Wainright said, ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing’
After much faffing at home getting my kit ready (I know I should prepare the night before but rarely do), I managed to leave home 20 minutes later than planned. Thanks to good old Google maps, I knew I would still arrive in good time so dispensed with any feelings of panic about a late arrival.
Runners were met at the Farnham race HQ by the always excellent XNRG staff & volunteers, welcoming us into the event & getting us all parked securely. As I was making my way to registration, I bumped into David Clyde, a fellow Run Britannia runner who I’d only spoken to by text.
Registration was slick as always & I had another nice surprise seeing Handy Cross Runners club-mate Phil Coker volunteering at the start & later at checkpoint 4. After the comprehensive but good natured & humorous pre-race briefing by Ian Chappell, we were off over the lovely sandy, free draining soil of Farnham & out towards Redhill.
Part 1
The first part of the route is a delight. Gently sloping hills, fields, woodland & a smattering of minor roads make for easy going.
The first photo opportunity is at Pilgrims Cottage in Ferry Lane, leading down to the picturesque footbridge over the River Wey.
The footpath was incredibly muddy and gave a hint of things to come. On towards our first serious climb up to Newland Corner & the views that await. From there on we were treated to views over Shere & Blatchford Down, English countryside at its finest.
It was great to bump into Wynn at the Ranmore common checkpoint & enjoy the excellent array of food always available on XNRG events.
After that, we entered Denbies Country. Vistas over acres of vineyards led to the trail passing close to the Denbies Wine Estate office (surely an ideal place for a future pitstop 😊). The going underfoot was still fairly easy at that point & I had been lulled into a false sense of security.
Next, my least favourite – but necessary – part of the course, a trundle down the A24 to the safe crossing at the underpass & back before the arduous climb up to Boxhill & the famous views that make it all worthwhile.
Checkpoint 3
The next 13 miles included some quite muddy sections, making the going a bit tougher than before (or was it just fatigue setting in?)
Checkpoint 3 at Betchworth Station was a welcome interruption, even if you do have to double back on yourself. A quick snack-grab & fluid replenishment saw me off on the next part of the run up to the final checkpoint 4 at Gatton Park, where I was warmly welcomed by my clubmate Phil & the other XNRG team members. I’m sure they were a lot colder than I was!
From there, it was a relatively easy amble down into Redhill & the finish at Carrington School.
Half way
After getting settled into my hotel, having a shower & coming back to the school for an evening meal, I enjoyed the talk from James of Flaming Phoenix Bars & Xavier Nunes describing all the exciting developments & options available from Marathon Des Sables.
Sunday morning delivered what it had promised the day before – sunshine!
Day 2 started at 8am at the Carrington School, after the wonderful taxi service offered by XNRG from the hotel.
I felt fit & ready to go and was soon back onto the North Downs Way and into the beautiful scenery of Gatton Park, delicately frosted & backlit by the morning sun.
The final stretch
The ground was ice-hard, which made the going easier than it had been the day before.
We were soon up high and enjoying the views from Colley Hill.
The return journey was pretty uneventful but as the sun warmed the ground, our old friend mud made a return.
Farnham beckoned from afar with the ground slowly becoming more sandy & free draining again. This made a very welcome change underfoot & the last stage of the 66 mile ultra unexpectedly pleasant. That is until we came to the water feature!
XNRG had saved us a last surprise worthy of a ‘Tough Mudder’ event, a yomp through a flooded footpath just before the entrance to the finish field. Still, it did a wonderful job of cleaning my trainers.
I finished run with a smile on my face & in my heart and enjoyed the hospitality & warmth of the finish marquee.
In summary, yet another wonderfully staffed & produced event by XNRG. These guys certainly know how to put on a show & a huge bonus for me is that 100% of your entry fee goes to Humanity Direct, a wonderful charity providing medical support to disadvantaged children in Uganda. What does that mean? We’re looking after these guys & children like them. I strongly encourage everyone to take up running in your 60’s especially for such a great cause!
To celebrate turning 60 this year Bob is taking on this challenge aiming to raise £10,000 to fund life saving and life changing operations for children who don’t have access to the medical care they need. To donate please Click Here.