Event 40 of 40

Date: 30.10.16

Run: Exmoor 10K

Distance: 9K

Time taken: 55:27

Memory of Event: Remote location, great support, and the final one!!

http://trailevents.co/trail-running-series/exmoor

So I have finally made it, and completed the 40th Event! I am really pleased to of completed my own challenge, and alongside that had a great year doing it! All of the Events posed their own individual ups and downs, some more than others, and all hold different memories for me.

This final run was set in the beautiful area of the Doone Valley of Exmoor National Park. We had stayed over the night before, so I got a glimpse of its beauty as we drove across the moorland to reach our hotel. I was strangely nervous on the morning of the run, or perhaps anxious in my worry to actually get there and complete on my final event. I had friends who had also entered the Event, as well as Mike, so I was keen to ensure we got there, got started, and completed!

As we drove to the Event, we were led down narrow country lanes, and we began to realise how literally remote this run was, it really was away from everything. Registering at the Event, I gave my name as per usual, and as they looked me up, the marshal’s said oh yes here you are! I was a little confused at first, till they told me that I had been allocated Race Number 40, for my final run, and how inspired they were by this. So despite wearing a different colour race number from all the other 10K runners, I was the proud wearer of Number 40 for the run. It then materialized that Mike had contacted the Race Organisers before the Event to tell them what I was doing, and they had ensured all the volunteers knew, and allocated me this number! – It was so nice, and made me feel really special.

It turns out this wasn’t the end of the surprises, as Mum and Martyn had driven down for over 3 hours to see, and support my final event, which was also a lovely surprise, and so very kind of them. It was great to have some friends and family with me to share in my last event.

The run set off, and as we jogged along from the start, the route meandered through the Valley, and it was truly beautiful, in glorious autumn colours. It was hard to keep your feet running as you just wanted to take int he lovely views! The inevitable climbing soon came, as we ascended up, and then up some more! As we reached the top, I could see other runners and the path stretching across the moorland ahead of me. It was so remote, and so rugged, and I was loving it.

As we reached a marshal perched in the middle of the moorland, even he was aware of the Number 40, which really did surprise me, and I have to say what great organisers they were.

As we dropped down the other side, the path became very narrow, and very steep, leading on to a rocky path, which made the downhill going a little tough, but I soon dropped down to join the river again. As we ran along the river, I could hear the commentators of the finish line, and I cheered to myself to of done it!! 40 Events of 40 Events done!

I am so glad I had this Event as my final one, it was really beautiful, in it remoteness, miles from anywhere, and its scenery. The effort they made for me in recognition of my 40, and alongside that having friends, and boyfriend to run it with, and family to support, made it all very special, like it was my actual birthday!