The extended heat of the summer resulted in ideal conditions under foot for this year’s Gatliff, with little mud and good grip. The early starters were treated to low sunshine creating dramatic shadows and sparkling dew-covered grass. It was a bit chilly at first but soon warmed up to an excellent temperature for walking and running.
The 25km route headed East to the village hall at Chiddingstone Causeway (CP1) before turning South West to CP5 at Markbeech and then back to the cricket ground at Edenbridge having climbed a total of 725ft. The 50km route did an extended loop from Chiddingstone Causeway taking in 3 further checkpoints; the Yacht Club at Hayden Water, the Speldhurst village hall and the Spotty Dog pub at Saints Hill. The total climbing was 1975ft.
We had 211 entrants for the 50km and 25km routes of which 186 started and 184 finished. 91 finished the 25km event with an average time of 5:01; the quickest average finish time for any of the 25km events we have held. 93 finished the 50km course (92 finishing within 10 hours with an average time of 7:26).
Congratulations to the quickest round each route;
50km Lee Morgan & Steve Smith 5:15 Lisa-Joanne Walbridge 5:41
25km Juhana Kirk 1:52 Hannah Green 2:20
There were no special certificates for reaching, 40, 30, 20 or 10 completions in 10 hours or less this year but a number people could be achieving one of the milestones next year. David Wakeling continued to lead the pack with 41 completions out of a possible 42.
A big thank you to the huge army of helpers led by Margaret Philipson that make the Gatliff a successful event and without which, the Gatliff just couldn’t happen.
Hope you all enjoyed the day and hope to see you next year! Spread the word and bring your friends!
Tim Styles
