Great Daffodil Run - 15 Miles
27 Apr 08

The Great Daffodil Run started and finished within the grounds of Kelmarsh Hall, Northamptonshire.  There was both 10km and 15 mile routes, taking runners through quiet undulating country roads around the picturesque villages of Kelmarsh and Naseby.

Ramey Road Runners entered a team of three in the 15 mile event, which started 15 minutes after the 10k event.  After the first mile it soon became very apparent what ‘undulating’ meant.  The first hill (climb) sucked what energy you had and reminded us this wasn’t just any ordinary fun run, this 15 miler was going to break even the most hardened runner.  The going was tough and it got tougher on the longer second lap, which took runners through the ‘picturesque’ Naseby village.  At this point sight seeing was the last thing on our minds.

The first lap was the same as the 10K route and it was on the first hill the front runners caught up with the backend of the 10K walkers/joggers, witnessing a mass of yellow Marie Curie Cancer Care t-shirts and a reminder of what these Daffodil running events were all about.  Not only was this a tough course we also had the added bonus of  dodging and weaving the 10K event.  This was certainly one of the most challenging events this club has come across.

The weather was good (although the forecast wasn’t), there was plenty of water stops and the roads were traffic free.  In fact, all the course roads were closed off for traffic.  In summery, the Great Daffodil Run proved a very challenging event, it was very well organised and the Ramsey Road Runners certainly earned their finishing medals.