The Forum of Benfleet Running Club

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

Something I've registered my interest in.....

THAMES RING

At the last TRA Committee meeting, Dick Kearn produced a map of the Thames Ring. This is a circular waterway taking in 49.25 miles of the Oxford Canal from Napton Junction (about 5 miles from Braunston) to just north of Oxford, where it connects to the Thames. The Thames section down to Brentford is the longest at 108.5 miles. The final section (98.5 miles) is along the Grand Union Canal until it joins the Oxford Canal back at Napton Junction. This gives a waterway distance of around 256 miles and a way-marked route of nearer 260 miles.

Dick wondered whether this could be a viable ultra run. At first impact, the idea seems completely ludicrous. One might have to allow 4/5 days for completion. However, if outstanding runners can complete the Grand Union (145 miles) in less than 30 hours, it might be possible to do it in 65 hours (less than 3 days) at an average speed of 4 mph. That makes no allowance for sleeping time. It’s possible to do the GUCR without sleep but surely not the Thames Ring.

Those who finish the Grand Union show no appetite for extra distance. So far as we know, no one has run the Ring or even made the attempt. Dick has tested the route supporting his brother-in-law, Phil Gadd, who cycled round it in 60 hours for charity.

After the meeting Dick discussed his idea with Steve Partridge and Anthony Taylor over a meal. We agreed that, if the event ever happened, support teams would be compulsory. Organisers would struggle to look after unsupported runners over such a distance. Dick knew of a village hall at Streatley on the Thames towpath which might serve as a start and finish point.

It is proposed that the direction should be anti-clockwise. That would give Grand Union veterans a different perspective on the stimulating and varied canal vistas. Also, when starting from Streatley, runners would negotiate the more difficult section of the Thames Path approaching London, before becoming too fatigued.

Three enthusiasts cannot make an event happen by themselves. There have to be people out there who are good enough, brave enough or even stupid enough to contemplate the distance. Not many, but a few. Is there anyone who would consider running the Ring? If so, we’d like to hear from you. Contact Dick Kearn on dickjan@talk21.com or Anthony Taylor on Anthony@maunsel.freeserve.co.uk

Dick Kearn and Anthony Taylor 30.1.08

In correspondence with Dick Kearn - "I might not be good enough or brave enough but stupid enough ....then I qualify"
We'll just have to wait and see if there is enough interest out there to make this happen !

Karl C · Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 1689 Location: Rayleigh

it's got my ring quivering, I know that !