It has been a while since Alpkit Adventure have been doing any blogging. This weekend saw the trio return to adventure racing action at the Endurance Life Coastal Series and Trailquest at Littlehaven, Pembrokeshire.
Saturday’s race was a trail run was along the coastal path. The weather was cracking, although there were some strong sea breezes. Phil was left on his own with the challenge of a half marathon. He made a strong start, and, for most of the outward leg, was in the top three. Unfortunately, by diligently following the feet of second place, he missed a turn. A mile later realising they were now lost, the pair tried to find their way back to Little Haven. Without a map for assistance, Phil started knocking on doors for advice, accosting one Welsh lady in her dressing gown, who pointed him in the right direction. Despite, the detour, he arrived back 11 minutes down on the winner having put in an extra mile on the advertised distance.
Matt and Oli, both having had teething problems with injuries, opted for the shorter 7 mile trail race. The pair quickly established a commanding lead over the field, with ‘Monster Mytton’ protecting his team mate from the strong coastal breezes. After 3.8 miles the pair took a sharp left turn to head inland and uphill. It was at this point that Hammerton put down the hammer to open up a small lead over his team-mate, which he held to the end. Both were comfortably under the old course record, finishing in first and second, in 43-14 and 43-36 respectively.
Sunday saw Matt and Phil compete as a pair in the trailquest (mountain bike score orienteering), with Oli competing as a solo. The boys were greeted with another gorgeous day. Oli left first, opting to head inland, for a clockwise loop. Despite being reduced to a 3 speed mountain bike for the final half hour, he scored 255 points for his 3 hours effort, completing 38 miles in the process. Phil and Matt headed south, approaching the estuary crossing in the opposite direction, both of which with the tide going out they were able to cross giving some short cuts to some of the high scoring controls. The boys scored 279 points (from a maximum 400) for their 3 hours effort, completing 36 miles. Phil and Matt were first, with Oli in second, overall on the 3 hour course.
Hopefully this is just the start of a successful season for Alpkit Adventure.
Men's Trail Run Clothing
Lightweight, quick-drying trail running shorts with Polygiene® odour control
£39.99
Twin layer running shorts for better weather protection and reduced chafing on long runs
£49.99
Wicking and fast-drying long-sleeved zip neck base layer with Polygiene®
£34.99
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