Great Bake Saturn Run at Herrington Park – 22nd June 2024
by Sarah Fairclough
After seeing lots of Crook AC members completing Saturn Runs and various other ultras, I nervously entered this 5 days before the run.
My friend surprised me and entered the day before, as I was going to run alone.
I had joined the Facebook page and read how friendly, inclusive and supportive theses runs were.
I had originally entered the 5-10k thinking I would probably just manage the 10k, the last year has been difficult with injury (plantar) and eye problems.
I discussed with Darren who explained to me the distance of half and full marathons pace and how I could complete more miles on this undulating course with a goal in mind. I decided the night before my goal would be a half, 3 laps of the 7k course = a half marathon.
I knew it wouldn’t be easy, Herrington Park is not flat, as I have previously completed the Park Run. What I didn’t bargain for was the extreme HEAT!!!!!!
Leaving home at 7am, run ready with my Victoria Sponge Cake home baked for the competition, myself and Diane set off feeling nervous.
Registration opened and we got our numbers. It was cloudy and a little chilly, we still applied our sun cream and warmed up a little.
I put my cake forward for the competition.
The atmosphere was building and the runners were so friendly, we chatted with other runners, discussed our goals and wished each other luck. As we stood on the start line at 9am the sun came out. My heart sank, typical, but we didn’t let it faze us we started at a steady pace and kept going.
Runners all had goals; training for ultras, GNR, marathons, I was running for myself, trying to reach a goal I thought was something I may never achieve, long distances have never appealed to me.
My longest runs have been a 10k at runs like Darlington and the Willow Miner. Running with friendly smiles and encouragement from other runners and with Diane and also keeping an eye on my pace, I kept telling myself 3 laps.
Lap one was fine but, as time progressed, the hotter it became and it was never about a time for me, it was to be an achievement. Our pace slowed a little with the heat and the undulating course but even though the sun shone, our spirit held and we remained focused. Poor Diane only expected to run 10k.
Lap 3 was a scorcher, it was hottest part of the day. We were burning a little with the sun and our legs ached but with encouragement and humour we ploughed on.
Diane grabbed a piece of cake to keep her going, I was so nervous I only had a jelly baby. The park was busy but we carried on, reaching our Half Marathon Goal in the blistering heat !!! What a relief. We sat, amazed at our achievement and so pleased with our lovely medal and goody bag.
I was so excited at completing my goal I forgot to ask who won the cake competition later in the day I received an email, I had won best cake WOW 2 achievements in one day.
My Prize – free entry to another Saturn run of my choice. I would rather have had a buff or a bobble hat lol.
We rested a little and then drove to see my mam and dad. I couldn’t wait to share our achievement with them.
I feared the next day thinking I would be aching, struggling to move but I had the sense of accomplishment and lovely ache but my calves and shoulders were sun burnt.
I would highly recommend these races, they are so inclusive of all run abilities and so welcoming.
Sarah