16th Pathfinder Walk, Conington, Cambridge.

The event is named after the 2nd World War Pathfinder Squadrons which flew from airfields which surround the area. This was the 16th year of the walk.

Larissa and i were dropped off with our road bikes (thanks to Larissa's hubby) so we could cycle home. Our intention was to run the 32km option, (there were four others 14/23/32 and 42km) but after a short discussion we  decided to opt for the marathon distance  (Noel Jones was already running the full distance on his 50th birthday weekend) we set off at 08.30 and it was a lovely cool morning, we set a reasonable pace and the instructions we were issued with were well written.  The checkpoints were every 5 miles, you got your card marked and had limitless biccies and drinks, nice touch.

The course was reasonably flat but the ground uneven, lots of edges of fields and through farms, very little road. Some really lovely scenery and great views seen along the way. As the day progressed the sun began to appear and it got quite warm, we arrived at some of the checkpoints pretty parched! This is really aimed at walkers but a really nice training run or plod in the countryside, entry is from a very reasonable £4 and we paid £7 and got a nice mug as a memento.
I'm not sure of our times - and it didn't really matter, but was around 5hours. The cycle home was a little longer than first thought, around 70k... Not sure that's for everyone after a long run.

A great fun event, well organised, fab value for money - recommended.

Sarah