Forest of Dean 2010 Posted byCarl Click here for photos

After several months of planning for the FoD the day finally arrived with what was hoped to be the single largest entry to any race by the Hotfooters to date. Unfortunately, due to the rigours of training and winter the expected 19 runners were whittled down to 15 on the day. The course was mostly off road and on compacted forest trails which, although great to run on, was energy sapping all the same. The weather was fantastic and with a full race of over 2300 runners the atmosphere made it all the more exciting.

Performances were mixed with John, Tim and Carl all suffering and not running as well as expected. However, there were great runs put in by David, Lily and Martin C. Paula and Caroline, on their first half marathons both got round the course without too many ailments though I am not sure if they will be keen to try again next year! Shaun, Ange, Ashley, Tina, Emma, Claire and Rafe (guest runner) all put in solid performances and hopefully will be inspired to visit the forest again in 2011.

Thanks to Alan H, Jo, Jim and Sally for your great support both before and after the race. David has already conducted several hours of analysis and I am sure we will all be briefed on this come Thur. What should not go unnoticed though is that come next year David should be lifting the Male V60 trophy with his fantastic time today of just over 1hr 35mins.

Post the race we all managed to get to the Hardwick, Abergavenny in one piece for a well deserved pub lunch, although there were more than the usual stiff legs and sore ankles moving from the car park to the pub. For the brave amongst us a few more drinks were consumed back in Hay post our return.

The general consensus was that the FoD should become a Hay Hotfooter regular event and so planning and training should start in earnest come Nov.

PS David is curently taking bookings for after dinner speeches, weddings and Bar Mitzvahs!