Capitalising on the popularity of off-road racing, the team at Just Racing UK – organiser of Challenge Henley – is bringing an off-road run series to the UK in early 2014. Mixing up an English Country Park, a cold winter morning and hundreds of keen runners, the Wellingborough Multi Terrain Dirt Run is an off-road run series, for those who want to get 2014 off to a suitably muddy start.
Hosted by Just Racing UK, the three-part run series will kick off at the Jurassic Irchester Country Park in Northamptonshire on 19 January, followed by events on 2 February and 16 February 2014. Competitors can choose their race distance – 5K, 10K or 15K – on a challenging course over the spectacular surroundings and varied terrain of the rural country park.
Athletes who enter all three events will also be in with a chance of winning the coveted series title, for which there will be prizes available for the top three results in both the male and female categories.
Lucy Gossage, winner of Ironman UK and Wales 2013 took part last year; and said “For me, I was keen to set myself a challenge after the Christmas festivities were out of the way. The course is relatively flat, but made challenging by the variable conditions underfoot – ranging from wide flat areas to narrow uneven paths.
“My tip for those who are racing for the first time? The difficulty of the course will depend on the weather and so pick your footwear wisely. Ideally wear a proper pair of trail shoes; and make sure you take a spare pair for afterwards. I can’t wait to come back and give it another go!”
Alan Rose, Race Director at Just Racing UK added, ‘The Dirt Run Race Series offers the perfect opportunity to run off the festive season excesses, and start off the new season in style. This year we had snow, rain, ice and wind – we look forward to seeing what the weather chooses to offer us this time around.
“One of the very perks of living in the UK is never quite knowing what to expect – but it makes for a more exciting day of racing!’
