Darrens Dash 2013 - Sunday 16th June, course update.

The ponies were out in force when I did a trial run earlier today.  Due to the cold, wet winter the bracken's not nearly as dense as in previous years so there will be less bracken basking for me to do this year. Yippee!

The event HQ is Longtown Community Primary School, Herefordshire.  12 miles from Abergavenny, 15 miles from Hay-on-Wye and 18 miles from Hereford.

For those who like to navigate using landscape features a few notes about the route:

The race starts and finishes in the shadow of Longtown's Norman Castle and after a short downhill section and a crossing of the Olchon Brook, the climbing begins.  Steadily at first through fields to gain Open Country above the Turnant Farm.  After a short traverse northwards on a broad trail, the tough climbing begins to the top of the Black Darrens crags where a helpful Longtown Mountain Rescue volunteer will point you in the right direction.

A short run across the moorland towards the distant summit of Pen y Gadair Fawr brings you to Hatterall Ridge.  Turn south here and follow the undulating Offa's Dyke National Trail which first aligns with the Monnow Valley and then swings west to align with Skirrid Fawr ('The Skirrid').  Pass the trig point, descend to the col between Longtown and Llanthony, take the sharp left turn and then follow the runnable descent trail to the field boundaries above Cayo Farm.  Run steeply down through the fields in the direction of Longtown Castle, through the farm, across the brook and a short sting in the tail uphill finish!

It has got to be done.

See you in a fortnight,

Mike Fawcett
Race organiser

Darrens Dash update - 3 weeks to go!

3 weeks to go and the entries are still coming in. 
Are you tough enough to run to the top of the Darrens (see above)?
Download an entry form from the race webpage www.wyevalleyrunners.co.uk/darrens-dash
Enter in advance to make sure your race T-shirt is ready on the day.
Look forward to welcoming you to Longtown on Sunday 16th June!

Darrens Dash 2013 - Sunday 16th June 2013

5 weeks to go

Are you tough enough to run this course?

Just under 6 miles long with 1,500 ft ascent - this is a cracking borders challenge.

Enter in advance or on the day, Race t-shirt + tea / cake for all finishers.

Childrens Fun Run and entertainment.

Full details and an entry form can be downloaded at: www.wyevalleyrunners.co.uk/darrens-dash

Darrens Dash entry form - 17th June 2012

The date is fast approaching for this fantastic 6-mile hill race on the eastern edge of the Black Mountains.  To pre-enter, save yourself £2 and make sure we have the correct T-shirt size for you, please download a form from http://www.wyevalleyrunners.co.uk/.
Family fun run, raffle, bouncy castle and refreshments also available.  Longtown Community Primary School, HR2 0LE.

Darrens Dash 2012

The date for the 2012 event has been set as Sunday 17th June at 2 pm.

You did it!

The weather forecast certainly wasn't promising - 50 mph winds, extensive hill fog down to 300m and persistent heavy rain! A quick emergency route choice had to be devised and 30 brave runners took up the challenge.  A newcomer to the Darrens Dash - Duncan Birtwistle of Harrogate Harriers - won the race in fine style in 36:00 whilst the first lady home was Emma McWilliams from Mynydd Du in 40:50.

The childrens fun run also attracted 18 entrants who battled it out on the slippery course.  A bouncy castle, raffle, BBQ, produce stall and fantastic teas and cakes compensated for the dampness.  Many thanks to all runners who took part and a particular big thank you to Longtown Mountain Rescue Team who provided marshalls 'on the hill', to the farmers / landowners who let us use their land, to the Wye Valley Runners team who manned the registration desk and finish line timing and to all the event sponsors without whom the event could not have taken place.

More than £500 was raised for Longtown School and Pre-School.

1 day to go

The course is now set!  There are still places available to enter on the day.  Its firm and dry underfoot at the moment but the forecast for tomorrow promises something a little different.  Cloud, wind and rain are going to make this unique course a little bit tougher.  Don't be deterred you can be sure of great tea and cake at the end and you can sport your new Darrens Dash baseball cap with pride after having tackled this tough new course.

Look forward to seeing you tomorrow.  The route to Longtown is signposted from both Pontrilas and Pandy on the A465 or Satnav HR2 0LE.