Where Castle Drogo, Drewsteignton, Devon
When November 5, 2006
First Man Andrew Chambers 1:02:43
First Woman Jo Kelsey 1:09:14
Last Finisher 2:16:53
No. of finishers 341
You’re treated to a glimpse of Castle Drogo – the last castle to be built in Britain – nestling in the woods above the Teign Gorge at both the start and finish of the spectacular Drogo 10.
It’s then eyes down as the route plunges onto the steep tracks and beautiful trails around the estate. Filthy weather, with heavy rain and flooding, at last year’s race forced the organisers to shorten the course, but for this year’s event the bright, crisp November weather still managed to create some unusual conditions.
With one side of the valley bathed in warm sunlight, runners in hats and gloves might have regretted their sartorial decision-making. However, after several miles running in the shade on the other side of the valley, cosy kit was welcome as a thick frost still clung to the undergrowth, and iced-over puddles created testing under-foot conditions.
The up-and-down route showcased the estate’s stunning scenery as well as its man-made features. Scrambling over a stone stile on a dry-stone wall allowed for a bit of a rest, while stone and wooden bridges afforded great river views before a tough hands-on-knees climb up to the finish.
For anyone with any energy left, a snoop round the Sir Edwin Lutyens-designed castle or lunch at the excellent National Trust café beckoned.
