Review of 2008 Huncote Hash

by Mark Coyle

You have to wonder what makes you do it. There we were standing in a corner of “some foreign field”……in Leicestershire; rubbing shoulders with amongst others a gorilla, a bunch of police officers, a liberal sprinkling of robbers for the police officers to chase, a reindeer, several Father Christmases and a nun, all gathered to run the 6ish miles that represent the Huncote Hash.   The race started from the rear of the Huncote sports pavilion in perfect conditions for running. A cold but bright winter’s morning with just about enough heat from the weak sun to dent the chill of the sharp nor’ easterly that tugged at the huddled group of 225 or so hardy souls that had gathered at the start line.

A whistle blast signalled a quick traverse of the field before we plunged down an incline and around an electricity pylon then turned onto a narrow twisting trail around a copse of trees. Proceedings were a tad stop start at this stage as runners clumped around several obstacles such as styles and fallen trees which had to be negotiated one runner at a time. The course then wound its way along a muddy trail before opening out onto farm land which skirted the M69. Surprised motorists tooted their horns in support as they no doubt watched in bemusement as a gorilla chased a policewoman who in turn was being hunted down by Father Christmas, a nun and a reindeer.

Croft Hill loomed ominously into view and the gaggle of brave supporters who’d gathered at its top cheered us all on as we fought our way to the summit. Having recently run up Beacon Hill at Newbold Comyn I found this hill to be just as steep but probably twice as long, I was certainly glad we only had to run up this one once. I sneaked a quick glance at the magnificent view before plunging down the other side, along a trail, across a road and into open farmland and around the edge of a quarry heading back the way we had come before plunging into the stream.

The water was refreshingly cold and about calf deep for runners of average height, so yours truly almost drowned. As I doggy paddled its length I thought to myself, does this count as some sort of duathlon?   Emerging from the muddy depths and back onto the trail I noticed my shoes were twice as heavy and that I’d lost all feeling in my feet. Strangely I really enjoyed it and to be honest despite myself I was loving the run. The smile was soon wiped off my face though when a marshal directed us off the trail again over a ditch, up an embankment and into the sand. Several sharp climbs and drops had to be negotiated before we wearily emerged back on to the trail and the final run to the field and the finish of what was a thoroughly enjoyable run guaranteed to blow away those Christmas cobwebs. Sitting in the steam filled changing rooms afterwards I found myself discussing next year’s event and the possibility of running in fancy dress. The baking hot showers, the warming mug of soup and a bread roll really hit the spot too.

This is a great event. The course is testing and I imagine if we’d had more rain in the preceeding days then it would have been much, much tougher. But the banter, fun, camaraderie and price (the princely sum of £3) all add to the atmosphere. I will certainly be returning next year. For more race details, results and photos got to:

http://www.huncoteharriersac.co.uk/