RW Race Report - Black Death Run 9


Posted: 8 October 2007

Where Taunton, Devon
When May 6, 2007
First Man Vito Graffagnino 1:04:38
First Woman Vicky Skelton 1:12:14
Last Finisher 2:52:56
No. of Finishers 397

Runners looking for a new personal best often target races over an unusual distance. A nine-miler might seem like a good choice, then, to chalk up a new fast time but if you’d entered the Black Death Run 9 hoping to zoom around, the first hill should have crushed any hopes of cruising home.

This race in Combe Sydenham Country Park is billed as the toughest nine-mile cross-country race in the country, and with good reason.

The hilly route on woodland tracks tests even the hardiest of runners – with many commenting that the descents are no easier than the climbs – while the lack of mile markers and zig-zag course added another dimension of toughness as competitors passed close by in the other direction. Some of the runners were rewarded with a glimpse of a white deer crossing the course though.

All those hills, coupled with stunning scenery, add up to a perfect cross-country adventure but the fun didn’t begin and end with the race. A samba band created a party mood at the start and live music, a bouncy castle, cream teas and beer helped to revive tired but satisfied runners at the finish.


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Does anyone know if this run is going ahead next year? - I have my sister over from Canada on the 1st May 2009 and she has heard about it and is very keen to give it a go! - I would be more interested in the 3 mile run!
Posted: 17/11/2008 at 14:31

Did you see this comment on the 2008 Events Page:-

Organiser's notes:We will not be holding the run this year (2008) but hope to be back in 2009. Probably the toughest nine-mile cross-country run in the country! Set in a private estate, the scenery is outstanding. And after the run, a PARTY!! Bar, food outlets, live music, dancers, bouncy castle - something for everyone, bring the family.

Alternatively there are details of the Organiser:-

  Contact:Steve Johnson, Race Director, Taunton Hash House HarriersAddress:The Albemarle Centre
Albemarle Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 1BADay telephone:01823 252 945Mobile:07791 612 389Email:hly3000@aol.com
Posted: 19/11/2008 at 13:20

Thanks so much for that!  I have contacted the organizers, and unfortunately the Black Death Run is not going ahead in 2009, but he did let me know about a Wellington 10 mile, which sounds like there's a good party afterwards aswell!  www.thewellingtonten.co.uk and that's in July.

Thanks for your help!


Posted: 19/11/2008 at 17:07

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