Preseli Bluestone Challenge 14 Here's how RW members rated this race in the past (6 votes). | 1 to 6 of 6 ratings | Page: 1 |
| The big picture (6 votes) | | Overall score | | 93% | | How many would do it again? | | 92% | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 97% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 77% | | Organisation | | 87% | | Value | | 90% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
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2010 race reviewed by: martin dyde
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: A compartively new race (2nd year) but I am sorry I missed the first one. Had a great time
In full: A race worth putting in your calendar for next year, even the weather likes this event. Its certainly challenging but well worth the effort and it is an effort in places, but dont be put off by that, you will be filled with self gratification at the end that you have comleted it. I guess it will be interesting if the weather was bad, as it can be on the hill top but hey would still give it a go. If you havent done this event then plan for it next year YOU WONT BE SORRY. well done Ingli runners a brill event.
Date of review: July 21, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: paul barltrop
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 20% |
In short: Really tough, but brilliant
In full: After a few off-road half marathons I thought this sounded interesting - and wasn't disappointed. Small but really friendly, the run was truly tough; for the first few miles you bound over or run round the bogs. By the end you lumber wearily through the middle, just hoping you can pull your feet back out of the morass. Oh and they save they nastiest hill till last. Forget about a personal best; but this is a personal favourite. Oh, and I'm determined to return sometime to look at the scenery - which was glorious but dangerous to look up at!
Date of review: July 20, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Vince Meeker
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: A boggy challenge with a few hills thrown in!
In full: I am new to trail/fell running. This was my first such race, my experience being limited to a couple of 10km races and a half marathon. All of which were flat and on roads. I targetted this race as prep for my first marathon in Oct 10: the hilly, off-road, beachy head marathon on the South Downs near Eastborne. I had done quite a bit of off-road hill work in training in the month leading up to this race, and I am pleased I did because this is not an insignificant challenge! Ok, the hills are not so steep that they cannot be run, but there are plenty of them. Another factor is the bog, which in places is very deep and can sap the energy. It pays to concentrate on the runner in front and choose your route carefully! I watched the guy in front of me submerge knee-deep in the bog. The final hill was probably the steepest but if you are feeling good at the turn around point you can probably continue to press on without too much concern. This was an out and back route on a fairly exposed ridge and there was a fairly significant headwind on the way out, but this worked in one's favour on the return leg. The views are superb and I would recommend taking a moment once in a while to look around you on the flatter, firmer stretches of the route. You won't be disappointed.
The organisation was sound - no problems there - some nice touches too, such as photos by Al at www.fellrunningpictures.co.uk, and some quality prizes for winners of the various age groups.
This is not a big race: So don't expect huge numbers of fellow runners, or to see many spectators on the route. But do expect a well organised race attracting a friendly, welcoming group of runners up for a challenge in beautiful, rugged surrounds.
Highly recommended.
Thank you Ingeli Runners. I hope to see you again!
Date of review: July 19, 2010
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2009 race reviewed by: PiggingJog
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: What am I doing here?
In full: Waiting in the baggage tent as the rain fell at the start, with about 20 others, I wondered 'What am I doing here?' I was on holiday and spotted this race was on nearby, so thought it would be rude to ignore it. But, I don't do much of this sort of stuff, perhaps my E.Anglian upbringing. Anyway, the organiser was encouraging, all sorts of abilities taking part etc. The arrival of another 40 or so on the next buses was comforting. I am so glad I entered. Despite the boggy bits where you weren't sure if you'd lost your foot let alone your shoe, and the hills, the whole thing was a wonderful experience. Well organised. Only doubt was not sure if low cloud had come down, whether the markers would have been close enough on the return over the extra ups. But well done the organisers.
Date of review: July 28, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: CARL131
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Dragons Back Fell Race - Do not think twice just enter next year
In full: What a fantastic day out on the Preseli hills and all thanks to the Ingli Running Club. Make a date in your diaries for next year as this will grow into a fantastic event. The Dragons Back Challenge may not be a ‘purist’ fell race but any club runner that wants a change from the 10km or half marathon circuit then this is the race for you. You will be challenged like never before as the hills just keep on coming but the scenery makes it worth the effort. The route is out and back with a slight detour (up another hill) as a final reminder that your heart really can beat that hard. Please do not be put of by this as the views are just as spectacular – just from a different perspective.
Do not bother avoiding the odd puddle in the first 2 miles as you will definitely be getting wet and muddy. If like me you are as fortunate to have a fellow runner just ahead of you who manages to find the deep watery bogs whilst allowing you time to side step the deep watery quagmire (twice) then all the better.
Water stations are at the 6 and 8 mile points and I think that was enough for today although others may wish for more water stations if it is a hot day? Ingli Runners should be extremely proud of all their efforts today from the fantastic all round organization, race route, marshaling, goodie bag and above all just being the friendliest club I have visited of late.
Do not think twice next year just get this in your diaries and train for it. Reference the PB being good - it's a case of prepping better next year as I am sure my time will improve.
Thank you again for a very special day out – it was worth the drive.
Date of review: July 19, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: 42
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: When they say "Challenge", they mean challenge!!
In full: The toughest race I've ever done!! Hills, bogs, disappearing paths, followed by more bogs 'n'hills. Well marshalled, great organisation. This is surely one to watch for the future, as it's reputation will (deservedly)grow. Ingli Runners, Respect.
Date of review: July 19, 2009
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