On Christmas Eve I cycled the 7 miles down to the village of Bishopsbourne in Kent to take part in the above run. ” Fancy Dress preferred but not essential”, not having a wardrobe of fancy dress obviously some improvising was required; so Santa Hat, red vest over white T with red and white striped Sport Relief socks would have to suffice!

The event was organised to raise money for The Pilgrim’s Hospices. It was a scenic course through The Elham Valley, mostly on country road but also included three stretches of muddy bridleway, with a couple of fiddly gates to stop and open [ no I didn’t vault over them as demonstrated in a recent Trail Running magazine feature! ]

The end brought us to the village pub which was also the event HQ. It was very much a fun run with no official times or positions. In fact although it was billed as 10K my Garmin recorded 9.29K which would explain my improved 10K time of 48:56.

So after a quick half of dark winter ale and a natter outside the pub…….I cycled home for Christmas.

Happy New Year to you all, Keith Gilbert.