No, really. He enjoyed it! Here’s what they said about the tower run. Picture by Martin Humby
Bredon Cricket Club Tower Run 2018 has been voted a big success by those who took part.
The slick organisation, friendly atmosphere and “incredible” marshals were singled out for praise by entrants.
The club was delighted by the turnout, which was up by more than 30 on last year’s inaugural event despite several no-shows who were presumably put off by the forecast for unsettled weather.
As it turned out, the rain held off and although it was a little humid, the conditions were good for the runners.
Next year’s run is on Sunday, May 26. Mark it in your diary!
Here are some of the comments we received:
Nicki Wiggins:Great run! Well done to all the organisers and marshals.
Nicholas Smith:A lovely run and so well organised. Thanks to all involved!
I didn’t make top 10 in the race, think I was first for a burger after though! 😂
Laura Claire:Fantastic run, and the weather was perfect!!!! 👍Brilliantly organised just like last year.
Shona Crombie-Hicks:Thank you for a really enjoyable race, great atmosphere and well organised. You put on a fab event, well done all of you 🙂
James Graham:Another good one, will be back again next year hopefully. Thanks to marshals and organisers: you did a great job!
Abi Malice Andrew:Fantastic day, thank you to all the organisers and marshals along route, see you next year.
Lydia Jayne McEvoy:Fantastic race! Marshals were incredible! Will be back next year for my third one! Xxx
Caroline Freeman:Spectated. Great start/finish area and refreshments. Well done 👍👍
Mia Ryland:Really enjoyed the run and the whole friendly atmosphere.
Rob Bray: Thank you so much to organisers, marshals and fellow runners. I under-estimated the hill so next year a bit more training and a bit less partying the weeks before! Not Mo Farah’s recovery drink of choice but the Stowford went down a treat.
This morning I ran the @BredonCricket 10k with two fellow @MAA_Charity Aircrew colleagues Adam and Aidan – why not donate a fiver to support our efforts?!
Text “MAAC00 £5” to 70070 to help fund our life saving work…
Simon Booth, left, is, for the second year running, first member of Bredon Cricket Club to finish. Picture by Martin Humby
Bredon Cricket Club’s second tower run dodged the storms this morning to notch up a notable success.
Organisers were delighted with the turnout of 132 runners (there were several no-shows), which was well up on last year’s inaugural event, despite the forecast of thunder and showers.
Humidity made the going tough for some entrants on the ascent of the hill, but it did nothing to slow Steve Kenyon, of Gloucester Athletics Club, who crossed the line in 40 minutes 38 seconds.
His time topped last year’s record of 42 minutes set by Rob Bowery.
Presenting medals to winners with the help of run sponsor Brad Cooper, of Folly Gardens Veterinary Clinic, club chairman Neil Hall said the event had been a great success.
He paid tribute to organiser Jennie Warren, the route marshals and all the volunteers who had contributed to the day.
After the race, competitors and visitors enjoyed a barbecue and music from the Kings of the Hill.
The storms passed over, but unfortunately left the pitch too wet for a planned 20-over cricket match between the village’s cricket and football clubs.
The runners tackled a challenging but beautiful 10k route from the cricket club in Westmancote to Parson’s Folly tower at the 299m summit of Bredon Hill.
The hilltop is marked by an Iron Age fort and the 18th-century Parson’s Folly tower, and it boasts glorious views of the surrounding countryside.
Entry costs £15 and includes a pre-race warm-up.
After the run, participants and their families and friends can enjoy musical entertainment from the Kings of the Hill (see video below) and a barbecue at the cricket club, where the fully licensed bar will be open. There will be a bouncy castle for younger children.
Later in the afternoon visitors will be invited to sit back, relax with a drink, and watch Bredon Cricket Club take on a side from the village’s football club in a friendly 20-over fixture.
The tower run run, which is sponsored by Folly Gardens Veterinary Clinic, is open to just 200 and is expected to be oversubscribed.
Money raised will be shared between the cricket club and the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, who will have a helicopter cockpit on display near the run’s start/finish line.
Places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
Runners must be aged 16 to 75.
All entrants receive a finisher’s medal, and there will be trophies for first male finisher, first female finisher and first member of Bredon Cricket Club to finish.
Cricket club chairman Neil Hall said: “Last year’s tower run was a tremendous success.
“We were thrilled with the compliments we received from the entrants and we’re determined to make it even bigger and better this year.”
Run organiser Jennie Warren said that although many entrants would be aiming to test themselves, the run is mainly about having fun.
“People should go at their own pace, and they can even walk it if they want to.”
Click on the link below to register and pay securely via EntryCentral, the secure sports event ticketing specialist.
Bredon Hill Tower Run 2017:
Frequently asked questions
What is it?
A 10k trail run starting and finishing at Bredon Cricket Club and following pretty country lanes, tracks and paths to the 299m summit of Bredon Hill.
When is it?
Sunday, May 27, 2018
How much does it cost to enter?
£15 (entry includes booking fee and finisher’s medal).
How do I enter?
Follow this link to register and pay securely online at EntryCentral. This is the only method of payment. You will be emailed a receipt and should bring this with you as proof of entry.
Can I pay on behalf of more than one person?
Yes. Just complete the entry form for each runner. When all your registrations are complete you can move through to the checkout and pay for them on one card.
How many runners will there be?
Open to a maximum of 200.
Where is it?
Bredon Cricket Club, Hill Close, Westmancote, near Tewkesbury GL20 7EU.
What time does it start?
The run starts and finishes at Bredon Cricket Club. The first runners set off at 10am, but entrants must arrive at the cricket ground between 8.30am and 9.45am to collect their race number and warm-up.
Does everyone start at the same time?
You will be given a chance when you register online to grade yourself as an expert, intermediate or beginner/fun runner. The expert runners start at the front of the field, the beginners/fun runners at the rear.
Parking at or near the cricket ground will be signposted on the day.
Can I get a refund if I withdraw from the run before it starts?
Sorry, there are no refunds.
What happens if I do not turn up for the race?
Your place will remain unfilled, but you will not be given a refund. Neither will you receive your finisher’s medal. You are not required to inform us in advance.
Is there a place where I can safely store my stuff during the run?
No. Arrive in your gear. Leave a change of clothing in your car, or with a friend or relative who can meet you at the start/finish. We would like you to remain at the club after the run to enjoy our barbecue and post-race entertainment.
When do I get my race number? How do I fasten it?
Report to the chief marshal when you arrive at the cricket ground. You will be given your race number. Please bring your own safety pins to attach it to your shirt/vest.
I want to watch the race as a spectator. Where is the best place to go?
The route follows rights of way, but paths are narrow in places so choose where you watch with consideration. The best spot is the summit of Bredon Hill, where there is plenty of space. Please follow the Countryside Code on Bredon Hill.
Are there any toilet facilities?
There are toilets in the cricket club pavilion and portable loos will be on site.
Is the route clearly marked?
Parts will be signposted, and there will be lots of marshals. You will not need a map or navigation aid.
Can disabled people take part in, or watch the race?
Sorry, we are unable to offer facilities for disabled people. Anyone taking part or watching does so at their own risk.
How difficult will it be?
It is a challenging run, with steep gradients on both the uphill and downhill stretches. The terrain encompasses metalled lanes, stony tracks, and paths through fields and woods that may be muddy. But this is a fun event, and you should enjoy it. Go at your own pace… even if that means walking.
Do I need special trail shoes?
Trail shoes may be beneficial, especially in wet weather, but ordinary running shoes will be adequate.
What happens if there is bad weather on the day of the run?
It will only be called off in the event of extreme weather. We will post a notice on www.bredoncricketclub.com the morning of the run ONLY if it is cancelled.
Will water be supplied along the route?
No. Runners are responsible for their own hydration. Bottled water and soft drinks will be on sale in our licensed clubhouse bar before, during and after the run. Please do not drop empty drinks bottles along the route, which is through an area of outstanding natural beauty.
What happens after the run?
Finishers will be handed their medals as soon as they arrive back at the cricket ground. Later, trophies will be presented for the first male finisher, first female finisher, and first finisher who is a member of Bredon Cricket Club. We hope runners, friends and family will remain at the cricket ground to enjoy our hospitality. There will be music, a bouncy castle for small children, and a barbecue. Our licensed bar will also be open. It will be a chance to relax and share run experiences.
What happens if all the places are gone when I try to register?
Please do not be too disappointed. Bredon Cricket Club Tower Run is an annual event. You will be given the option to join the waiting list for next year’s run, and will be alerted by email when entries for the 2019 run go on sale.
Can I be told the route in advance, and have a chance to run it?
The route uses public roads and footpaths, so anyone is free to run it in advance at their own risk. The route can be viewed and exported from Strava here.
Can I swap my place with someone?
No. This is not allowed for safety reasons.
Can I wear headphones?
Yes, but please be aware of other runners.
Can I run with my dog?
No. Runners are not allowed to take dogs on the route for safety reasons.
Can I seek sponsorship and take part in aid of a charity?
Bredon Cricket Club is donating a share of proceeds from the run to the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, but you are free to seek sponsorship for a charity of your choice.
😂
👍Brilliantly organised just like last year.
