If you’re Caroline Davis and have run multiple marathons over the year, how do you celebrate? Yes, run an Ultramarathon! (obviously).
The Pumpkin Plod took place at Ferry Meadows in Peterborough with all the typical distances on offer from a 5k (1 lap) through to ultramarathon (9 laps +) to be completed within 6 hours, plus an extra lap on offer if runners got their lap completed just before the 6-hour deadline.
It was a lovely bright, sunny start to the run which enhanced the autumnal colours out on the course. As the day went on, the clouds came and the afternoon became cold, prompting Caroline to stop and put on an extra layer.
Taking on the Pumpkin Plod rather than the Worksop Halloween half, Caroline went with the theme and was the only one wearing fancy dress, which did please some people out walking.
The course took in sections of the two courses in the Peterborough 5k series, but also added in some elevation by running across the Bluebell Bridge and up through Bluebell Woods before dropping back towards Gunwade Lake and back to Lakeside – which was both the start and finish.
Determined to finish the year with her longest run and opting for the ultramarathon distance, the aim was to get to at least 9 laps, possibly 12. Caroline did manage to keep on running with a slowing pace. With 11 laps completed equating to around 36 miles in 6 hours, 19 minutes and 3 seconds, it was a well-paced run providing a good baseline for winter training and the spring marathon season.
With 254 finishers over the day, 12 laps was the maximum completed by 3 people and Caroline was the only person to complete 11 laps, giving her fourth place.
The Zig Zag event was well-run and a 6-hour race is an ideal starting point for anyone looking to increase their distances. Runners can test themselves against the bigger distances without having to navigate a course and they have the safety net of being able to pull out at any time.
No event pics available so we’ve had to get creative 😃