Where Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
When September 30, 2007
First Man Tucker Murphy 35:00
First Woman Steph Lane 43:00
The man-made undulations of Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire are the result of years of hard labour. Runners at the Cancer Research UK 10K there on September 30 may have wished the labourers hadn’t bothered.
The first 6K included three difficult climbs. A folk band at halfway provided an interesting distraction, but the hard work of the groundsmen centuries ago – and the runners on the day – was amply rewarded with gorgeous views of the lake and the palace itself.
The sun burnt through the early morning grey to provide perfect conditions for enjoying the autumnal ambience. No times were recorded, the object being simply to raise money and get fit in the process, but Tucker Murphy was first home in around 35 minutes, with Steph Lane the unsung first lady in just under 43 minutes.
