of Stratford-Upon-Avon. After about 4km the road climbs steadily past Goldicote House, until levelling off before a left turn and the welcoming sight of the first drinks station, at 5km. You’ll then reach a testing climb up the imaginatively named Long Hill

of trail shoes aimed at overpronators as well as neutral runners.Finally, there’s grip, and plenty of it. You could wear the Escape for small sections of road, but it’s really designed as a gloriously pure off-road beast. What’s more, it’s great value

show promise. The basic midsole is plush on the lateral side, but firm medially for stability, and the light, sock-like upper is comfortable. (An off-road version, the Bolt, is also available.)In short Full marks for effort, as the Flash is certainly

some of Bristol’s most scenic sites, including a historic Roman encampment. The real work starts once the course goes off-road, with plenty of muddy stretches and some punishing hills on the agenda. And if you can get over these intact, you’ll then have

that most athletes felt comfortable racing in just their trisuit. After just over two laps of the loch, competitors headed out on a 42K bike ride on open country roads. One or two short, sharp climbs and descents kept riders alert. A single loop of road

for another person. We divide our shoes into three main categories (cushioned, stability and motion control); and three minor ones (performance training, racing and off-road). The first three are everyday options and are categorised essentially by your

and the upper offers minimal support, the XA Series is only suited to biomechanically efficient runners. In short Not an off-road shoe for every day training or runners needing support. But if you’re a light, efficient and fast runner, it might be suitable

that feet tend to get much warmer than normal – unless it’s really cold. And don’t think it’s an off-road shoe, as the outsole pattern is actually exactly the same as the Air Max Moto.

city centre, with a route taking in the River Taff, Cardiff Castle and Bute Park.Ash Excellent 8 (Somerset, Sept 10) Multiterrain event through country lanes and tracks, with plenty of hills and picturesque scenery.Yorkshireman Off Road Half

Time: 3:26What was the best moment (excluding the finish)? The forum cheer; Having a chat with my family at mile 21 and the crowds in generalAnd the worst moment? Being barged off the road at mile 9 by the RW sub 7:30 pacers (and I was doing sub 7