Don't be scared. This won't hurt. Much.
A run for really very exceptionally hearty man fellows and lady fellows, entirely on rough tracks, and including superb views over the North Downs, the Mole Gap, Denbies Vineyard, and Dorking.
20 June 2009, 2pm. Box Hill.
RW disccusion forum on The Picnic 2009
Runner comments in advance of the 2009 race:
I was a Midsummer Munro participant, and those voices in my head
are saying 'Do the Picnic, Do the Picnic'
I was a DNF in 2005, so I have a
score to settle...
Stop the clock at 4hrs 59mins!
Any chance of adding some more steps, to make it a little harder please?
Stop taking the p**s Dr Rob!
My aim is only to survive.
No flowers please.
If I do die on the course at least bury me the right way up!!
Bury me where I fall - as long as I ’m dead of course.
Well done to all who completed the course.
Lived up to expectations, tough hills and LOTS of steps !! with a great atmosphere. Had a great day and haven't stopped telling all my running mates (and everybody else) about it - maybe a few more club members will do it in two years' time. The glass momento was brilliant, probably the best I've received in 25 years of running. The atmosphere was very friendly and encouraging - I liked the low key atmosphere at the start - half a dozen of us turned up early and were co-opted into carrying stuff up the bottom of the hill to the start. I found the course lived up to expectations - nice variation of terrain - dirt paths, grass, steps, rocky paths, more steps, a bridge and stepping stones (under water) in a river, oh and did I mention steps? plus somehow the organiser managed to provide lots of lovely mud in June! Fantastic! Got slightly confusing when the Midsummer Munro runners first appeared on the course round the loop down to the river but they were so encouraging when passing them going the other way during the second half - I think they thought we were just crazy. The marshalls were great - thanks, everybody. Nice to hear the Lone Piper again. Loved it and will be back in two years time.
Gut bustingly difficult, but worth the phenomenal achievement you feel at the end. I absolutely loved this marathon, it was tough, really tough, but great banter along the way and the fantastic sense of achievement at the end make it all worth while. Nothing will stop me from being there in 2009.
This is a must do race with a very special atmosphere and fantastic organisation.
Extremely tough course. This is a very tough but rewarding race, take it very easy on the first lap. Competitors were very supportive, loved the bag pipes. It's good preparation for ultras and Ironman triathlon.
Five hours and more of extreme fresh air and a thunderstorm to add drama. Great event!
Bloody hell fire, that was a toughie!! See you all in 2 years time
Great Organization, Fantastic Marchals, Beautiful Scenery, Tough (nice) Route, Warm & Friendly Atmosphere
A perfect race, tough but worth it in so many ways. It wasn't my legs that got me round but the amazing atmosphere. Without a doubt a running challenge that every distance runner should experience, lived up to its name of the "toughest in Britain".
Tough, but worth it!
A perfect race for the very few & brave that love long distance and extreme hills
The Ronseal of Races - does exactly what it says on the tin! Fantastic race in every way, brutally hard course but a great atmosphere. Big thanks to Dr Robert and all the marshalls for making such a pinful experience seem so much fun!
If you think you've run a hard race then you need to try this.
Hardest event I've ever done. Great event very tough on the legs, Killer slopes after the rain & those steps make the Grizzly & Beast steps look flat. Thanks to all the marshals for a great day: you did a great job.
"Britain's Hardest Marathon" certainly lived up to it's name. Tougher than expected and I experienced a step-up in difficult from the previous level provided by Three Forts/Beachy Head/South Downs Marathon. There was little opportunity to get into a rhythm as the ascents and descents appeared with worrying regularity, and we won't mention the Steps!! Is that where Led Zeppelin got the idea for "Stairway to Heaven"? To the offroad runner, this is the mother of all marathon challenges, and the sheer difficulty was softened by the fantasic scenery, the kind weather (showers and reasonably cool temperature, the great camarderie between the marathon runners (we were in it together) and the half marathoners when they joined the route (encouragement accompanied by startled looks at us nutcases), and the officials and marshals. A very special day. One slight concern was the uncertainty caused by some of the direction markers. With tiredness it was quite easy to miss a turn but that can be easily rectified. Thanks to all.
That was tough. If you are looking for a marathon with a bit of spice, this is the one, there are hills, I mean HILLS, steps and a touch of thunder. Water stations every 2 miles which was great. If I'm mad, I'll be back.
A killer of a race.. But so worth it. Excellent race.. .Only problem was my legs at the end. Enjoyed every minute. I wasn't in the "Under 5 hours" gang but still felt very positive all the way though. I'd do it again at the drop of a hat and the glass ornament was excellent. Well done.
FINAL INSTRUCTIONS These are the race instructions for The Picnic. You will not receive anything through the post. WARNING! These races are incredibly tough, the toughest in Britain. Take it easy! Top tip: run the slopes, walk the stairs. Pace yourselves - leave some for the second half. If the temperature at the start of The Picnic exceeds 30°C, or 28°C for the Midsummer Munro, the start will be delayed until the temperature at the start line drops to these temperatures, for safety reasons. Despite the current rain, there is practically no possibility that the race will be cancelled or postponed due to bad weather. Please arrive at the race start (at the Burfoot slope, bottom of the Zig Zag Road, Mickleham, near Ryka's car park) at least 40 minutes before your race start, to collect your race number (you do not need to bring any paperwork - just yourself). Either park in Ryka's car park, or along the road adjacent to the race start. There are no toilets at the race start itself: closest toilets are behind Ryka's. There are no changing facilities at the race start - it is on the side of a hill. We will have an area where you can drop your bag - don't leave anything of particular value in there. You can drop your car keys with us when you collect your race number. The Picnic marathon starts at 2.00pm. Please run on the left at all times. Since this is an out-and-back course, you will be passing a lot of other runners going the other way (even if you are in the lead, or last). PLEASE give all runners maximum encouragement - you are all in this crazy race together. Headphones are discouraged for this very reason - do us all a favour - don't run in a bubble! Ordinary trainers are perfectly good enough to complete this race - studs and spikes are banned (and aren't necessary anyway). Keep to the pathways at all time. Watch where you put your feet: the tracks we are using are uneven. Twisted ankles, tumbles and cuts are not unknown. In case of any accident or emergency, the next marshal should be within 1km of you (either in front or behind), so send a runner to get help. The race medical service provider is the St. John Ambulance Service. In any emergency, marshals will call through to a central number, and we will organise assistance. There are water stations every 2 miles or so. At the quarter, halfway and three quarter way points in The Picnic, you will be able to pick up a squeezy pack of orange flavour Lucozaid sports drink. There will also be a pack in your goody bag at the end of the race. Please do not litter the course - drop cups etc only at the water stations - thanks! Mile markers are not accurate (you'll see why when you see the course), and are approximate only. However, the length of the course is as accurate as we can make it. It is not short. For The Picnic, there is a cut-off of 3 hours to reach the half way point (where you can gain the medal for the Midsummer Munro, at least), and 5 hours for the three-quarters point. Note: all runners will be escorted from the course after 7 hours. The course will be marked with tape, signs, paint and marshals. Keep your wits about you and you'll get around fine. If you want a time at the end, show us your running number. No visible number, no time! Remember to smile. Results and photos will be up on the web sites early next week. Initial calculations suggest that the races will raise over £1000 for the race charities - so thanks for entering! We are still looking for marshals - and they get goodies! Any prospective marshals should contact me by email.
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On Saturday 2 July 2005, 11 plucky runners completed Britain's hardest marathon, which was exactly double the Midsummer Munro, and which was called The Picnic. Harley Inder (24) of New Zealand finished in a stunning 4:34, for the 26.2 miles and 6000 feet of ascent and descent. Silke Pichler (32, New York Road Runners) was the first lady home, in 4:45. Gavin Edmonds (33, Serpentine running Club) was first Brit home, in second place in 4:37, and first British lady home was the battered and bruised Sarah Tucker (29, Springfield Striders) in just under 5 hours. Last man home was Paul Tabor (44, Sevenoaks AC), who, although he was pulled off the course after 7 hours, then returned the same night and finished, in the dark, with an elapsed time of 8:30. Those finishing in over 5 hours were awarded a cup inscribed 'One sandwich short on The Picnic.'
RESPECT! thanks to everyone who took part in the Picnic on 2 July, and to the marshals and caterers (Bob and Bob's mum, Liz). Professional photos available at http://www.grahamrussell.info/sport/2005/midsummer-munro/index.htm |
Discussion on this race 2005 (rather interesting)
Two circuits of a very hilly out-and back course. Runners attempting the Midsummer Munro (half marathon) will be using the same course from 4pm on race day.
Race director: Robert McCaffrey 1 East Street, Epsom, Surrey, KT17 1BB, UK Tel (+44) 1372 743837 Fax (+44) 1372 743838
Right: No Picnic on Mount Kenya - an all-time classic tale of three Italian P.o.W.s who break out of a British camp in Kenya, and go and climb Mount Kenya. Respect. Perhaps this race should be called 'No picnic on Box Hill'? |
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