 |
| 5am onsite for that "on-time but too early" Race to the Stones feeling |
It's been a busy mid-summer season fortnight, in between two massive 100k overnight trail runs (Race to the Stones and the Oxfam Trailwalker) we had the inaugural Wakehurst Willow 8k last Wednesday, and then also the Purple Patch Down Tow Up Flow Half marathon on Sunday - a scenic run along the banks of the river Thames from Windsor to Marlow (this years direction).
The weather has been stunning over these two weekends, and I've been eternally grateful to the weather gods that I've not had to be sat out in pouring rain in the dark into the late night getting cold. On the flip side it's been a battle against the elements to keep off the sunburn, maintain the ability to see down a camera lens, and keep hydrated just the right amount that means you don't need to go to the loo at the critical point you had been waiting 12hours for....
As a result of this I now have too many images to put on the blog and keep it concise, so I can only emphasise having a good browse through the galleries when you have a spare moment.
To this end - our 2015 archive gallery from sitting in fields (if you missed the action first time around) is here:
http://bit.ly/SSP-2015-Gallery-Archive and we are working on getting the 2016 archive gallery up and running shortly.
Here's the list of recent events, and future ones you might like to enter. Everything gets busy after mid august - so you have until then to go and eat plenty of cake. Or train. It's a tough choice.
Latest Discount Corner - they're getting closer !
and did you hear that the Southampton Half marathon 2017 is also turning int a two lap affair ?
yes you can do a marathon now too...
http://bit.ly/southampton-half
And now a few photos I've seen in the last few weeks...and this selection is just not going to do any of it justice.
Race to the Stones - a 100km along the Ridgeway
 |
| The race goes along the Thames, as do Hen Party gin boats |
 |
| Don't make the sheep jealous |
 |
| don't be jealous of the sheep |
 |
| handy modelling position to help test the three flashes |
 |
| Yes, you are cyclops, and yes, I am now blind |
 |
| One supporters pet wolf kept and eye on the sleeping sheep didn't it. |
 |
| crossing a field makes you feel marvelous |
 |
| Levitate and get there faster |
 |
| It was quite a nice view really |
 |
| Where are they from again ? I hope they found their way home... |
 |
| Carrie did a blindingly good time - totes amazeballs. |
 |
| double thumbs up for some of the scenery |
 |
| The crack squad PR team turned up to capture some video magic |
 |
| I think he was looking the right way. Honest. |
 |
| off into the wild west yonder |
 |
| It's a nice route. Honest, not too hilly. |
The sheer size and scale of the Race to the Stones I can't really do it justice on here - we had full live photos going out during the event using pic2go technology, meaning that competitors were getting updates to their facbook pages whilst they were still out on the course. This proved to be quite popular !
The Wakehurst Willow on the Wendesday had some massive hills and scenic paths to contend with, but everyone seemed very pleased with this inaugural event.
 |
| second lap and still looking happy |
 |
| All good on the first lap before the massive hill climb |
 |
| Strong around the course into the finish |
 |
| an excellent start line photobomb ! |
 |
| Look there - yes - a remotely triggered camera in the undergrowth... |
Then on Saturdaywith the
Oxfam Trailwalker again we had another overnight 100km walk along the southdowns way from Queen Elizabeth Park on the A3 over to the racecourse at Brighton.
 |
| Working the camera |
 |
| All female Bolt team |
 |
| Magic unicorn rainbow jump. Best photobomb ever. |
 |
| walking stick balance fail |
 |
| we can't take any more Bolt pose |
 |
| remember - Take in the view. |
 |
| Dawn rising over the hills towards Lewes on Sunday |
 |
| The marketing video team turned up |
 |
| The hills were alive with the sound of music |
 |
| fourarms at the ready |
 |
| sticks out |
 |
| the jazz hand surrender |
 |
| victory celebrations |
 |
| watching your back all the way around |
 |
| Top work chaps |
 |
| excellent work Dads ! |
with a later start in Windsor we had the Down Tow Up Flow Half marathon along the river Thames...
 |
| Only at 2k but flying off to finish |
 |
| get those headphones out and listen to the world |
 |
| flying along the riverbank path |
 |
| all going well |
 |
| For the win at Marlow |
 |
| Top teamwork on the run in together |
 |
| top tip - stop your stopwatch on your phone after you've crossed the line |
 |
| Lovely touch as his team chased their club president in across the finish and celebrate with him. |
Have a great next few weeks, we're not covering any events at the moment for the next two weekends and getting ready for the very busy autumn season that is coming up through September and October - so make sure that you have your races entered in plenty of time because they are going to fill up fast as soon as people get back from their holidays.
Until next time, train well
Anthony
