This was the second running of this annual November event held by Race Harborough in which participants run an out and back 5 mile route along the disused railway path of Brampton Valley Way. The event starts at 7.30 PM meaning it’s pitch black so all runners require a head torch to guide them. The only part of the course which is lit is the unique 200 meter long tunnel that runners pass through in both directions.
A nice and quirky touch to this race is that everyone is given a pair of glow in the dark glasses at the half way turn around point to prove they have completed the full distance. At the end, as well as a very welcomed cup of hot soup to warm the cockles on what was a chilly winter’s night, all finishers were awarded an engraved pint glass.
There is approximately 2 miles of running before reaching the tunnel in which around half was on a dry puddle free section before a wet and sludgy straight. The variation in terrain made the standard running more interesting and kept you on your toes.
With the path being fairly narrow you had to stay vigilant and alert throughout the run back as people were going in both directions. Because of this I must admit I did find the decision to allow people to run with dogs a strange one. That is however one of the only negatives I can point out about this event. It’s really well ran, chipped timed and raises lots of funds for the Mo’Ket Harborough campaign which supports Movember raising awareness for men’s health.
Quirky Races 