My annual trip to the Oakley 20 near Bedford took place on 29th March. A week later than the usual date, it coincided with the clocks moving forward, so careful planning with numerous alarms ensured I got up in time.
The route started with two laps of a playing field before heading out on the road to Pavenham then the larger loop out in the Bedfordshire countryside. A couple of wicked hills tested the stamina, through the villages of Felmersham and Chellington before reaching a loop that you complete twice.
Some rousing music greets you at the drink station then a testing hill before Stevington then another incline before heading to the two bridges on the outskirts of Oakley. I thought my run last year was poor as the lead runner passed me as I was about to start my second loop.
This year the lead runner passed me at my 10-mile marker, and I felt dispirited when several lead runners passed me over the next 2.5 miles before I was able to start my second loop.
However, I felt better at this point than last year, even though I’d run an ultra 4 days previously, the additional mileage I’ve been putting in paying off. It’s now just speed missing at the moment.
Though I needed to dig in for the remaining 7.5 miles, I felt OK for the final section and did manage to overtake some people that ran/walked. I still feel disappointed with my finishing time of 3:12:44 but was very glad there were no more miles to run.
The winner was Jonny Reep from Wellingborough and District AC who came in at 1:51:11.
First lady was Johanna Oregan of St Neots Riverside Runners who was 28th overall in a time of 2:10:54. The Oakley 20 is renowned for its iconic hoodie and this year it was burgundy with a Red Kite and war memorial on the back.