16th Pathfinder Walk,
Conington, Cambridge.
The event is named after the 2nd World War Pathfinder Squadrons which flew
from airfields which surround the area. This was the 16th year of the
walk.
Larissa and i were dropped off with our road bikes (thanks to Larissa's
hubby) so we could cycle home. Our intention was to run the 32km option,
(there were four others 14/23/32 and 42km) but after a short discussion we
decided to opt for the marathon distance (Noel Jones was already running
the full distance on his 50th birthday weekend) we set off at 08.30 and it
was a lovely cool morning, we set a reasonable pace and the instructions
we were issued with were well written. The checkpoints were every 5
miles, you got your card marked and had limitless biccies and drinks, nice
touch.
The course was reasonably flat but the ground uneven, lots of edges of
fields and through farms, very little road. Some really lovely scenery and
great views seen along the way. As the day progressed the sun began to
appear and it got quite warm, we arrived at some of the checkpoints pretty
parched! This is really aimed at walkers but a really nice training run or
plod in the countryside, entry is from a very reasonable £4 and we paid £7
and got a nice mug as a memento.
I'm not sure of our times - and it didn't really matter, but was around
5hours. The cycle home was a little longer than first thought, around
70k... Not sure that's for everyone after a long run.
A great fun event, well organised, fab value for money - recommended.
Sarah
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