The Moderately Boisterous Kitten
a.k.a. The Quantock Beast
Held on Sunday 2nd July 2017
This is a challenging 5.7 mile multi terrain race, based around the National Trusts Fyne Court estate at Broomfield and in the heart of the Quantock Hills.
The Beast is part of the Somerset Series and is billed as one of the toughest in the Somerset Series and the advertising blurb comes with cheery 'Run it if you dare' and 'be prepared for mud, mud and more mud' warnings.
Yes it was a bit of an effort but well worth it, starting and finishing in the beautiful setting of Fyne Court's gardens, with stunning views along the route and a cafe selling home baked cakes and other goodies.
Results [sorry if I missed anyone]:
|
Pos. |
Time |
Name |
Team |
Cat. |
|
1 |
0:35:49 |
CAHILL, Daniel |
|
|
|
25 |
0:43:56 |
CARNELL, David |
MNR/CRC |
MV60 |
|
73 |
0:53:53 |
IRISH, Kirsten |
CRC |
FV45 |
|
147 |
1:21:04 |
ASKEW, Hilary |
CRC |
FV55 |
In truth it was a gloriously sunny day and the weather had been relatively dry for a while beforehand, so the course was about as benign as it could ever be, hence the 'kitten' comment. However, with grotty conditions this could be a whole lot more testing, but for those that have tried the Wambrook Waddle, the Beast is very much akin in terms of terrain and effort required.
Just two cautionary notes for anyone looking to do this next year:-
- Book early as entries easily reached the limit this year.
- Invest in a map of the area and perhaps visit beforehand [some of the 'shortest route' lanes can be a tad narrow]
Report by Downhill Dave