Many thanks to Paul for his report from the Sutton Beast, 10 in the Fen event which took place on the 19th September:
Another different race and last minute entry.
Having ran most of the local races several times, this year I decided to look for a variation of venues.
Again this was just over an hour from Fakenham but this time at Sutton on the Isle in Cambridgeshire.
There were two options available, a 5 and 10k.
This was perfect as Libby ran the 5 starting at 11.05 and myself 10 starting at 11.
We left in good time arriving just after 10 o’clock as limited parking was mentioned. However there was no need to worry, we parked at the playing field adjacent to the start.
Check in was straight forward and friendly with timing supplied by Sublime.
As with my last race there was an aerobic warmup option which again I declined.
Both runs were out and back using the same route. The 5k turning at 2.5k and the 10 at 5k (obviously) Leaving the sports field we headed down to the street, here we turned right along the street heading out of the village. The first part they were very keen on keeping you on the pavement, which to be fair were quite wide.
Just before leaving the village we turned right at approximately 800m from the start.
This took us down a small lane towards two river crossings and into typical fen land.
The 2.5k came up between the two rivers and the turn around for the 5kers.
The 10k route continued out into open fens along small roads, these were typical of the area with nasty cambers most of the way.
We turned at 5k to retrace our steps with the added challenge of a brisk head wind. Crossing the rivers again we had reached the 3/4 point.
Continuing the run back towards the village it became a bit more sheltered but just before 9k we had a nasty incline ( believe me it was a brisk climb and not what you expect in fenland) back to the turn onto the street. After the turn the road continued to climb until taking a left back to the sports field and the finish line.
A challenging run with friendly supportive marshals, 2 water stations and a nice medal.
Would I do it again! Yes
Libby 5k. 28.47
Paul. 10k. 49.40