It was to be Johns first attempt at Ultra Distance and for Mark it was part of his build up for the Marathon De Sables in April. The course consisted of seven laps around the resevoir, with 9:30 saw over seventy competitors head off for what was to prove to be a very gruelling event. The weather which had started cold deteriorated with sleet and snow flurries and a biting wind blowing across the water.The runners had to contend with this for over half of each of the seven laps which made up the event.

Mark had started strongly and was looking comfortable and well placed in the early stages of the race. John whos watch had stopped working during the first lap was running a controlled race at a conservative pace. The bitter weather conditions gradually took their toll with several of the runners retiring early. Mark who had been running so well was starting to feel the effects of the elements, a run in these temperatures is not really apt preparation for the six day race across the Sahara that he will be undertaking in April, and he made the wise choice by retiring at 21 Miles.
John took up the baton and although he must have been experiencing some new levels of fatigue and discomfort in this his first ultra race, he showed great mental and physical toughness to carry on to finish in a very creditable 5:43.

It was good to see Mike trew and Mike Alderson of Poole AC competing in the race.They both ran well with Mike Trew recording a time of 5:15:40 and Mike Alderson 6:12:27. These results show great promise for Ultra Running in the Dorset area.

A word of thanks to the marshals on the course who cheered the runners on, and to the helpers at the refreshment points who provided hot drinks, Mars Bars and fruit for the competitors.
There were 72 finishers in the race, Colin Deasy of Coventry Godiva winning the mens race in a time of 3:31:31. The ladies race was won by Susan Bruce of Tewkwsbury AC in a time of 4:20:54