On Sunday 5^th August, the Speech House Hotel played host to over 1,000 runners who took on either the 10k, half marathon or full marathon on the Forest of Dean’s trails. Participants travelled from all over Gloucestershire and further afield to take part in the challenges – some journeying from as far as Holland, Columbia and South Africa.

The course began and ended in the Speech House field, making for good spectating points for friends and family. Runners were lead around beautiful woodland areas and across light trails, and passed by Mallards Pike Lake (which would have looked very inviting on such a warm day!) with Forest of Dean locals coming out to show their support on the day.

Temperatures reached the high 20s making for an incredibly challenging day out, with extra food and water stations placed at regular intervals around the course, and marshals keeping runners cool with wet sponges! Everybody remained in high spirits throughout the day no matter which distance they were running, with many taking on a half marathon or full marathon for the first time.

TriMax Events organise trail runs, obstacle course races and triathlons throughout the year. Their next event is a sprint triathlon based in the Newport International Sports Village on 1^st September. Find out about this and other events at www.trimaxevents.com

Here are some testimonials from some of the competitors:

“I have done a few half marathons and events, and that was one of the best!”

“A huge thank you to the marshals and the team at the start/finish who helped me when I was down (mentally and physically) and encouraged me out onto that final lap.”

“I loved it! [The event was] really well organised and there was great support from marshals and volunteers. Great to see that most runners respected the environment and heeded the call to not litter.”

“Fantastic event. Hot! The marshals and Aid Station people were brilliant. Well spaced and well stocked.”