Race Review | Bewl Water Spring Series 30mi
Nestled amidst the gently rolling hills of the Kent-Sussex border lies the picturesque image of Bewl Water; the largest reservoir in the south east, and home to a beautiful 12-mile trail that circumnavigates its borders.
Last weekend played host to the annual Spring Series Event put on by Hermes Running - one that caters for every distance, with 5 separate races spanning from 5k all the way up to Ultra.
As I have ran and walked the trail many times in the past, I decided to sign up to the longest distance (31mi / 50km) available as some last minute preparation for my 200 mile adventure next week. Here’s how things went down…
The Pre-Amble
I arrived at the Bewl Visitor Centre about a half hour before Kick Off (08:30) - where there was ample free parking available for race participants a stone’s throw from registration. The brief walk down to the race marquees delivered the familiar view of the water - already drowning in bright sunshine.
After quickly grabbing my number (no queues, big bonus), I popped back to the car to grab some last minute bits, stuck the race belt on and headed down to the start line.
With the temperature seemingly rising every minute, the Ultrarunners congregated by the start line situated behind the dam that created the reservoir. A succinct race brief from the RD, and we were off.
Kick Off
The game plan for me was entirely based on feel; having never raced a 50k before, I wasn’t sure how I was going to pace it - and, coupled with the fact it was a last-minute decision to sign up, decided to trust my body and let it go with the flow and see what happens.
After the gentle climb up and over the dam, we hit the familiar woodland trails that hug the shores of the water - flat, well-maintained and (as expected) entirely runnable. A stark antithesis to the last time out at Bewl on New Year’s Day, where myself and two of my equally nutty mates spent 13 miles trudging through knee-deep bogs in a named storm…
The 31 mile route consisted of 2 full laps of the reservoir, and then a 6.2mi out and back on the third lap to make up the difference and bring it to the Full Monty.
The first lap was beautiful - I held the lead for its entirety, holding a decent pace throughout and running in solitude. There weren’t many people about, which allowed for some quiet meditation after what had been a crazy week in the life prior. Passing through the windy woodland paths, country lanes and gravel tracks; and before long I found myself charging down the hill to close the loop for lap 1. Up ahead, the hustle and bustle of the 10k runners became apparent, getting ready for their 10:00 start time - requiring a few weaves in and out of the crowd to cross the timing mats in poll position.
Second lap felt much the same - passing the halfway mark in cracking shape and still moving as well as at the start. It was, however, slightly more crowded on the trails - with the lead pack of the 10k and some of the half marathon runenrs merging into one for the first couple of miles. That said, there was never any point where anyone was held up or bottle-necked; instead, a lovely sense of camaraderie shared by runners of all abilities.
It was about 21 miles in when the eventual winner of the ultra passed us - having to bite my tongue not to get competitive and speed up. I wasn’t going to jeapordise the Rig with a 200-miler looming!
Despite dropping to the silver spot, the final third of the second lap was so much fun - exchanging words of encouragement with all the other runners in the trenches of their race.
The mixture of 5 different races on one trail was something I have never experienced - but the staggered starts coupled with all round quality organisation of the event as a whole meant there was never any point where things felt too cramped on the paths.
With the midday heat spicing things up, the final 6.2mi out and back was rather fruity as the hamstrings started cramping big time; but we just cracked on nice and steady before sending it on the final mile.
A 4:27” finish completed a pretty decent day at the office, even if I did get pipped to 2nd by 14 seconds!
A quick catch up with a few people at the finish followed by a stroll back up to the visitor centre topped off a really fun morning out on the trails.
For me, the race served its purpose perfectly - confidence well and truly restored ready to crack on for Wild Horse 200 in exactly a week’s time.
The Verdict
I have had a fair few athletes racing the Bewl Spring Series over the last couple of years, and I can see why it is such a popular event - exquisitely organised given the large number of runners across the different races, and (as we already knew) a stunning route.
I cannot recommend it enough for anyone looking to sign up to a local event, catering for all abilities with ample opportunity to rehydrate and refuel along the way.
I’ll definitely be back next year to have a crack at sub-4” and the top spot on the podium!
Focus now dialled in to planning and preparation for the Big Boy…
