The route which is to follow deserves a little context, so I need to take you on a little journey back to 2020 which will be forever stamped in our minds as the year of Covid-19, Lockdowns and whether having wine and cheese in a room constitutes being a business meeting or a party.
The country had been in Lockdown since March and while for many runners this gave sport to longer runs and hiding away on trails albeit alone unless like most who frequent here with our four legged pals. What was taken away from our chosen sport was the ability to run organised races and spend time with like minded friends. So with the announcement by the then Prime Minister Boris ‘Hasta La Vista, Baby’ Johnson that there was to be a relaxation of the C-19 rules and the introduction of the rule of 6 in September I took the opportunity to gather my fellow Canicross Plodders and put on a Half Marathon event with associated bling.
The route which is below I think given the context is best describe by the race briefing which was provided to my fellow runners. The route itself is varied, picturesque and worthy a day out, would love to hear if anyone else takes this on as I think it stands out as a truly beautiful route in the heart of Sussex. AM
Covid Lockdown Round 2 – Half Marathon – 7th November 2020
Welcome to the inaugural Covid lockdown #2 Half Marathon runners pack.
The inefficiently laid out course with carefully forgotten signage starts out in the shadow of Arundel Castle. The route takes a lazy meander along the banks of the river Arun leading up the slightly undulating South Downs where beautiful views can be had of warm houses and comfort which we will not be enjoying. Once on top of the gentle climb the route follows along the ridge and down to Amberley Chalk pits museum. Those who have run in the Maverick Sussex in previous years will be pleased to know we are running down the hill which caused comments like “Really!”, “You said this was flat” and the timeless “We must do more hill reps next time” Once over the road there is a water stop where camelbak etc can be refilled if you are keen and a few 100gs were saved at the start of the race in the delusion it would make you feel like Sir Mo.
Once refreshed, the trail leads back to the Arun and the reassurance of level terra firma for a number of km’s and breath should be taken for the final ascent/descent past the Instagram worthy Hiorne tower and the final dash back to the race finish. The route is roughly 21.14Km (ish) though laps of the car park are acceptable if you really do need to get that Strava badge for November! and we are missing a few meters
All finishing runners will be given a race day medal of dubious quality and hastily engraved as a memento of your epic achievement which seemed like a good idea in the spring before 2020 became a shit show.
It’s not a race without bling!
Practical information
Parking @ Mill Road Car Park
Mill Rd, Arundel BN18 9PA
NB: There is a car parking fee which may or may not be in use. From the signage it looks like it is £5 for 4+ hrs which given my track record for routes this seems a small price to pay safe in the knowledge that if the run becomes an ish run it’s not going to cost the world or a disgruntled runner when you can’t afford a new pair of Nike Alphafly.
Race Info
The competitors will run in 2 waves, first wave leaving the start at ~9:15am (L & N) and the 2nd wave (S & J & A) 15mins later to ensure that there is a properly socially distanced 2km’s and something to hunt, I mean chase..errr I mean follow.
Both L and A have overly expensive watches and zero idea how to use them properly which will be used to navigate, on the next page there is a map which can be printed onto paper for doodling, crayon notes etc (you know who you are!) though the scale will make it completely useless in the event of an apocalypse or similar race ending event. Crap red arrow marks the CP, start/finish.
