Pilgrims Way 7

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A long weekend away with friends allowed me to take in the 2nd running of the Pilgrims Way 7+ race held in Kent. The 7+ is supposed to be in keeping with the Rugby theme (i.e Rugby 7’s) but it sounded like it just served to confuse a few runners that didn’t realise it was actually an 8.5 mile race. Starting at the Rugby Club in Vigo (just off the M20) this, mainly, trail race follows the Pilgrims Way going out and part of the North Downs Way on the way back. After reading the race report on Runners world
http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/news/article.asp?uan=4127
I was expecting a couple of good ups/downs but they weren’t really as severe as they had been described.

I’m not the fastest of runners but running on the flat is my least favourite, however with the locals tip toeing on the couple of short downhills and struggling with the final long steady uphill it allowed me to pick up a few places during the race. A pleasant, scenic run apart from a little too much “Blessed Tarmac” on the final run in. Finishing in a time of 1:19:14 in 87th place from 182 finishers (plus apparently 25 DNF’s) this race will be pencilled in again for next year if I am
this way visiting friends again!

Mark Sammon