What was I saying last week about not liking perfect race conditions, because they give you no excuse? Yesterday I did the Surrey Spitfire 20 mile race and no one could describe the conditions as perfect: wind and rain had starring roles. The race takes in two laps of a 10-mile course (the Surrey Tempest being the 10-mile version of the race) and several miles of it take place around the Top Gear test track, at the Dunsfold aerodrome. I didn’t spot any memorial statues to Jeremy Clarkson, but perhaps the wind blew them away. Makes a change from hot air …
Those miles on the track were brutal – with absolutely no shelter from the wind and fairly dispiriting views of lots of people in front of you. Once out on the roads, you got more shelter from the wind, though in its place you got hills. Rather nice undulating ones, though – nothing too evil.
It was a horrible day to be spending hours standing at junctions wearing fluorescent yellow, but the marshals were brilliant – all words of encouragement and jokes and cheery smiles. I find that makes a real difference in these smaller events, where you can often find yourself running alone for long stretches. Just near the end, entering the airfield again, one marshal had his kids with him. Two small children between them made enough noise to merit Usain Bolt’s entry into the Olympic stadium, never mind just a very soggy me.
These are my favourite kind of races. Low key, brilliantly organised but no frills – a lovely medal and a proper chocolate bar at the end and a tent selling cheap home-cooked rolls and hot drinks. Any race where you can get a cup of tea seconds after crossing the finish line has my vote. And after my relative disappointment at Reading half last weekend, I was pleased to finish in a solid 2h 23m, with something left in the tank. Four weeks to the London marathon – and now I’m giving up booze and chocolate until after race day. Someone hide the Easter eggs from me …
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