VENUE
The Race HQ is at Postlip Tithe Barn (http://postliphall.org.uk/index.html) between Cheltenham and Winchcombe off the B4632, five miles north east of Cheltenham. See location map overleaf. The race start is on Cleeve Common to the northern side of Postlip Hall, and approx 2 minutes walk from Race HQ.
PARKING
Parking at Postlip Hall is extremely limited. We try to secure sufficient parking each year but it is not always possible. Therefore, please can you make sure you (a) park sensibly in and around the vicinity and (b) allow plenty of time to get to the registration/start area. There is an alternative car park (although limited in size) on Cleeve Common, near to the Golf Club (again approximately ¾ mile from registration). Please respect the privacy of the residents of Postlip Hall and please follow all instructions given by marshals.
Please allow plenty of time (recommend at least 20 minutes) to walk to the registration/start area.
CHANGING
Toilet facilities are available at Race HQ. There are limited changing facilities in the Tithe Barn but there are no showers.
Baggage can be stored in the Tithe Barn for the duration of the race, however we cannot accept responsibility for valuables and items are left at competitors’ own risk. If you prefer not to carry your car keys when running, a box and a supply of labels will be available on the late entries desk. Please write your race number on the label and attach to the keys.
FOOTWEAR
Studded or fell shoes are ideal for the mixed terrain of the course. Although there is only a small amount of road, spikes are not considered suitable.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
The race starts with a short fast flat section before climbing steeply through old quarries to cross Cleeve Common, passing the Golf Clubhouse, Cleeve Cloud trig-point and the windswept Iron Age hill fort on the Cotswold Way. There are views of the Malverns and distant Welsh mountains. After entering the pinewoods and the nature reserve you climb back onto Cleeve Common at the radio masts where the first water station will be found.
Soon after this you reach the highest point of the Cotswolds, marked by another trig-point. The next section is faster, gently downhill then undulating on good tracks for 1.5 miles to reach the Sudeley Valley. The lowest point is at Waterhatch, after which a second water station will be positioned. This section of the route is on the Windrush Way. A steep climb follows, on tracks and a quarter mile stretch of road, joining the Cotswold Way again to head up to the Belas Knap long barrow. Here you have distant views across to the masts you ran past earlier in the race and the worst of the climbing is over.
The final section undulates via woodland tracks, a short road section and fields to cross the River Isbourne via a bridge if you wish. Crossing the opposite field, Postlip Hall comes into view and your final stretch is on road, which finishes in front of the Hall and the Tithe Barn.
ROUTE
This will be clearly marked by a mixture of blue poles, yellow flexi-posts, variable-coloured tape, and small flags. Stiles and gates are included in the course and gates will be marshalled and open where possible. If there are no marshals at a gate please ensure it is closed behind you.
Parts of the route follow paths which are not public rights of way and which require special permission to cross. Such use does not imply a general right of way. Please take care in using the stiles and observe the Country Code throughout the Race. Drinks and first aid will be available at suitable points on the course.
Congratulations to the winner – Terry Conway!