The Forum of Benfleet Running Club

Ernie · Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 184 Location: Hockley GORC

I would like it to be called the "BENFLEET 100"

Stop this talk about 16 miles,30miles etc. These races are fine and I'm not against them but if you want to put on a decent Ultra then make it so.

Obviously if you want big numbers then shorter races are the way to go.
But this is not what Ultras are supposed to be about.
They are supposed to be about a test of endurance with quite a few failures ,pain,frustration, taking onself to the limit & over it etc etc

True Ultra runners like it to be tough and not a namby pamby stroll around the countyside which I feel this will probably turn out to be.

Ultras aren't for the majority of runners, so there.....

runningman · Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Posts: 119 Location: my office

SO THERE

mArKw · Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 255 Location: Benfleet

Could we call it the
Benfleet
Extra
Long
Challenge
Hike

with a party at the end

Post
Ultra
Knocking-it-back
Event
_________________
The hills are alive........

mArKw · Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 255 Location: Benfleet

I think for a first crack of setting this event, we should make it tough but also keep it tight. The course Mikey has suggested, fits the bill, and also keeps some access routes available in case we need to get people off the course if anything bad happens.

I would suggest that we also limit the number of runners for the first couple of events. If we get a successful event, then word will spread, hopefully getting a good reputation and increasing the demand. Keep demand ahead of supply so to speak.

Also I think for the first event, we so only accept runners with Ultra or long distance experience. Not so much to be elitist, but to ensure that runners will finish in the time they say they will finish. The following year we can open it up.

Mark
_________________
The hills are alive........

Lucycat · Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2007 12:09 pm Post subject:

The Benfleet Midnight //ty

I understand Ernie but wed like to run too and we aint that tough yet!

or the Benfleet Starlight ??ty

or the Benfleet Moonlight ???ty

Or the Benfleet Nightime ???ty

Baggsey design the T shirts!
_________________

Lucy and Paddy

mikey · Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2007 12:51 pm Post subject:

Ok Lucy

As long as they’re not to Girlie……

Marshals might have to wear them too !

mikemoreton · Joined: 23 Apr 2007 Posts: 543 Location: Hockley, GORC.

I had though of the
Benfleet Ultra Grim Gruelling Endurance Race, but think that the name wouldnt be fitting for a caring club such as this one.

Just a thought

Karl C · Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 1690 Location: Rayleigh

The B.U.G.G.E.R 50

Wins my vote MM2

Lucycat · Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2007 4:13 pm Post subject:

Nah theyll be cool.

This frees me up to take the dog for a nightime stroll!
_________________

Lucy and Paddy

mikemoreton · Joined: 23 Apr 2007 Posts: 543 Location: Hockley, GORC.

Karl,

Many thanks for your support on the B.U.G.G.E.R.50. Looks like i have found my vocation?
But I cant imagine the press reports:
Man Bu**ered on the Benfleet B*gger50
(do i need to mention the caring club, my arse bit now?)

or is that a touchy subject?

Also, Like the name MM2, kind catchy.........watch out for the slow man wearing blue on Sunday.......I need help............

Mental or otherwise

Karl C · Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 1690 Location: Rayleigh

Can I suggest (volunteer) to take our group out on the loop course Sunday 17th June 8am start - there are no races to speak of.

We can get an actual milage from GPS and also confirm the check points look good and useable...??

Mikey, have you approached the subject with any fellow committe members for feedback ??

Ernie · Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 184 Location: Hockley GORC

I suppose its possible to do a 50 and a 30 miler at the same time which would give newcomers an introduction to Ultras.

The problem with the 30 miler starting at Midnight is that the leading runners will be finishing around 3.30 am.
Starting the 30 miler later in the night is another option but weird to say the least although this may appeal to the Sat night party crowd .

Any other ideas !

mikey · Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 12:05 pm Post subject:

Karl

Have mentioned this thread to Clive, and asked him for his comments

Hasn't come back to me yet but will mention again at club tomorrow

I'm emailing you a Google Earth version of the route, including Castle Hill. This measures up at 7,83 Miles, but should be slightly longer using GSP

Unfortunately I'm doing the UK Half Ironman that day so can't join you !!

runningman · Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Posts: 119 Location: my office

Is that a duathlon ?

Karl C · Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 1690 Location: Rayleigh

Mike has patiently plotted the propsed route......

go to

http://www.realbuzz.com/flmroutes/map.php

and search for SS2 in the search box in the middle of the screen. then it's benfleet Ultra Route....
You can then zoom in and out.
------------------------------------------

The static pic is below.

Mike Mason · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 953 Location: Hockley

My God - the modern technology. Whatever happened to the back of a fag packet and some wet string??

Oops just remembered that's what Ernie and I actually use!

rgds

Mike

nice to see the Ultra slowly coming to a fruition in the great traditions of this 'caring club - my arse' which we need emblazoned on our shorts....

ps did you like my London Olympics logo....a churlish public!
_________________
'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

jacklarge · Joined: 11 Aug 2006 Posts: 239 Location: Rayleigh, Essex

Karl,

Can I join you for a lap (I take it it'll be about 8 miles?) on Sunday if so where are you meeting?

This doesn't mean I'm going to take on an Ultra (don't want to get my picture in the Echo).

Cheers,

John.

Karl C · Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 1690 Location: Rayleigh

reporting back from the field(s)

We did the Downs loop yesterday-

Start Top Benfleet Car Park
School Lane onto Downs
Diagonally down to bottom of downs (B15)
Bottom of Castle Hill
Up Castle Hill ( as per club runs )
Over stile at top of hill
Then TR straight away (5m max from stile)…. Path runs behind Castle
Follow path down long slope heading east, to 1st stile we cross when running leigh station run (after running past castle hill).
Run round field edge (B15)
Up slippery slope
TR run along top edge – then down into field by station (B15)
Round Leigh Station
then back along the bottom of the downs all the way, under Benfleet Station and up Castle Road (?) back to the car park.

This was an out and back run, which didn't take in the gravel track (canvey sea wall) bit, as we felt that was too similar to the Benfleet15 course.

That was 7.5 miles, which is a nice 4 mile loop for peeps wanting to do their first 30 mile ultra, and then a full 7 loops for 52.5 miles.

We thought of adding 2.5 miles onto it to make it a round 10 mile loop by possibly going on through Leigh Station into Old Leigh for 1.25 miles.
A checkpoint in Old Leigh (by the toilets) could also be helpful ??

The course was quite dry (considering the weather we have had) and a nice pleasant Sunday run course.

We are thinking of doing it later on in the year (in the dark) to see what it would be like using headtorches, glow sticks and the burning cars of Leigh

Pat M · Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 215 Location: Canvey Island

Just read through this idea regarding the ultra. If you go for a longer run in the future, say 100 miles, perhaps you could add Canvey Island as part of the course. You're on the Downs anyway so it's just a trip over the bridge and round the Island. This brings you back to your start point, the bridge, back across and onto the Downs again. This adds approx 12 to 13 miles to the course and you could incorparate as many loops as you wished, doing away with so many repetitions over the Downs. I know Canvey is flat but the gravel, concrete and mud terrain round the Island is tough going, and the bonus of having a wall to follow simplifies the course and does away with the need for many marshals. A longer race I imagine would take us into daylight and you would get some great views of Benfleet Downs from the Island perspective. For snap happy runners this would be ideal. Come on Steff give me some back up here and lets get Canvey on the map. I might even train for this one myself.

Stevie · Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 413 Location: Benfleet

Pat - I think that has to be your first sensible post on the forum, until I read the fact that you said you might even train for the event yourself - lol

But seriously good idea, would make sense to use Canvey like you said pat, you can’t really go wrong following a wall around the island and does add a few miles on to the course compress

Pat M · Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 215 Location: Canvey Island

I'm glad you didn't take me seriously about training for it myself, Steve. lol. Although I have to say I have started riding to the KFC for my bargain bucket instead of driving, and have fooled with the idea of going back to the gym. When weather gets better will start cycling to work. When I say better I mean no wind. lol. Where's Mike Jordan? aka Mikey? Does he still live? Oh and helloooo to Godfrey. I hear you have started your own sport of Kombat Running and are currently perfecting the art of falling, rolling and coming up in full stride.
TTFF.

Stevie · Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 413 Location: Benfleet

Glad to hear you're still on the KFC mate - lol
Are you sure you ever went to the gym ?, i think it was just a myth.

Pat M · Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 215 Location: Canvey Island

I got the certificate to prove it, Steve. One mile in under six minutes on the rower, and that was without any training. lol. I'm gonna upload it and post it. lol.

Stevie · Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 413 Location: Benfleet

lol, i hate those machines, I have been using the rowers quite abit recently usually just do 3000 meters, dont do it by time Smile

Karl C · Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 1690 Location: Rayleigh

ahem, back on thread please guys....

"off at a tangent comes to mind....."

Pat M · Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 215 Location: Canvey Island

Steve, I told you not to go off topic. And no, I don't think it's a good idea to post a joke in the 'wedsite, comments and suggestions' thread. lol.
Mike J, what's happening about the 'ultra'? I've taken a sensus and it seems the majority of the membership want a Canvey loop added into the run. A suggested name for the event was the 'CANVEY ISLAND/benfleet Ultra. Please advise.

mikemoreton · Joined: 23 Apr 2007 Posts: 543 Location: Hockley, GORC.

Canvey
Ultra
Right
Royal
Yomp

CURRY!!!

Charman · Joined: 04 Jul 2007 Posts: 2

Well I know something about ultra distance running but i am new to this forum lark so I hope this works. I was asked to have a look at what you are all rambling on about.
Well I think Ernie is right the distance has got to be 50 miles otherwise it is not worth going to all the trouble of organising it.
All everone has talked about so far has been the course and the distance and of course the NAME. Now you may think I am an old F*rt but can I introduce some practical points.
1) it needs to be run under the umbrella of a national body to get insurance cover. i.e U.K Athletics, Trail Running Assoc, LWA etc.
This would then entail Risk assessments which could be interesting given the terrain and darkness.
2) Medical cover- be silly not to have it - but I cannot see St.John turning out all night.
3)you will need quite a few helpers to man the course and prepare food. all ultra runners eat lots of food to keep them going. need people to make the Jam Sanwiches. you can't have an ultra without jam sandwiches.
4) We used 83 members last Benfleet 15 to marshall the race (end January). No way could we handle an ultra as well. We turn out 40 or more runners and spectators for each cross country 5 times from november thro february. march thro April is taken up with the london so I would think with all the planning that has got to be done the very earliest we could hope to hold the race is during May2008 and if it takes as long to sort things as it has to come up with a name then I might suggest may 2009 is more likely.

I am not trying to be negative but just pointing out there is a lot of work to be done. I think it is a great idea and the thing to do is to get together, hold a meeting to sort out the basis of the race and spread the work load among those interested. then get on with it.

when we get down to sorting it out there are a few more items I would bring up but it is enough to be going on with. cheers Charman

Mike Mason · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 953 Location: Hockley

All sound points from the Chairman.

Option 1 - the night 50 mile ultra

Insurance cover and risk assessment key
For 50 miles - minimise checkpoints - can't remember the course design but figure of 8 or similar would help
Could be sold as a bring yr own gels ultra and cut the crappy jam sandwiches

Option 2 - the 50km ultra incorporated into the B15
Insurance and risk covered?
Again, minimal checkpoints incorporated into the B15 ones
Race starts x hours before main race but timed to have fastest runners finish with fastest B15's?
Minimal logistics/organisation compared to option 1
Attracts wider number of runners - those starting at first recognised ultra distance

I will of course offer my services in creating the route maps.... compress

rgds

Mike
_________________
'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

Ernie · Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 184 Location: Hockley GORC

Great to see Chairman putting some input into this.

We sorely need as many "Old Farts" as possible involved in this before the whole concept of a "Benfleet Ultra" slides off the rails.

It has been discussed (not in forum) of a night Ultra in May/June 2008 as the weather is milder for a night run as well as well as the shorter nights would make it just that little bit more manageable/safer.

But I'll support any Ultra that Benfleet Running Club decides on as long as it is in the spirit of Ultra Running ie Seriously hard and Demanding.

runningman · Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Posts: 119 Location: my office

EXACTLY !

Pat M · Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 215 Location: Canvey Island

So you're in favour of the Canvey loop then, Ernie? lol. I hear MM1's idea of a 'seriously demanding' ultra is no cake at the end. It was just a rumour.

Mike Mason · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 953 Location: Hockley

Pat, sod off this post and get yourself down to the Muldoons Island topic. We are all waiting with tripidation..........avast there ye landlubber.etc etc etc

pottytrain5

rgds

Mike
_________________
'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

Mike Mason · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 953 Location: Hockley

or even trepidation..........
_________________
'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

Pat M · Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 215 Location: Canvey Island

I'm mystified why no one is taking the Canvey Loop seriously? I suppose if you're only going for a namby pamby (Did i spell that right?) fifty miler that any self respecting ultra runner would only use as a warm up then I suppose a Canvey Loop is not required. It's obviously my mistake, i thought i read you wanted a 'challenging and demanding' run? But what do I know about ultra running except fifty miles doesn't sound so ultra. I'm going to retire to Muldoon's Island and contemplate the snobbery of the 'caring club.......my arse'.

Ernie · Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 184 Location: Hockley GORC

Yes Pat I have thought about the Canvey Loop and for sure on paper it seems like a good idea.
My only concerns are the extra Marshalls that would be required & tired Ultra Runners crossing busy roads at day/night but if those issues were addressed then I'm for it.

I do agree with you about a 50 miler being not so much of an Ultra but nothing has been decided yet so it could end up a race of far Greater Distance.
I still like the idea of the "Benfleet 100" but I feel very much in the minority with this one.
I would call a 50 miler a good introductory race for Prospective Ultra Runners .

Pat M · Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 215 Location: Canvey Island

Thanks for the comments, Ernie. As I believe it was your idea it's nice to know you see the potential.
There's only one road and that's by the bridge, so one marshal there, and maybe a few others on the wall. (Near pubs would get you plenty of volunteers!) I thought an objection might be Canvey is flat and easy running but you could incorporate some of Canvey's natural features. Believe it or not Canvey does have a shingle beach, and runners could be directed to run on this for a couple of miles by a marshal at either end (As long as tide tables are observed I don't see anybody being washed out to sea.). The shingle isn't so deep you'd sink into it but would definitely be tough going. There's also the tide pools which could be compulsory to wade through. Two or three of these i think, making it more of an event than just another run. Anyway, i'm going to stop going on about the merits of using Canvey and leave it to the experts.
Note to myself: I must have a thing about Islands.