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Invitation
BKO entered a team in the Dorset Coast Path Relay in 2008, and we competed very successfully. A full report of our efforts was published in the July 2008 edition of BKO News. We've now been informed of the date of the 2009 event, and this note is an invitation to club members and their families and friends to form a team to compete again this year. The date of this year's event is Saturday 11th July 2009.
The event runs from Lyme Regis to Studland Bay near Poole, a total of around 65 miles. It starts at 8 am, and finishes around 6 pm. Teams can have as many runners as they wish. Runners can run multiple legs, and there are no fixed changeover points. Teams normally utilise mini-relay teams of runners on the uphill stretches (of which there are many). Thus each team designs their own strategy for the race, which involves careful design of the logistics of runner delivery and collection. Last year we had twelve runners, which is about the minimum needed. We learnt a lot about how to do the event, and were very pleased that our logistics worked well, no-one got lost or left behind, and we finished fourth out of seven on handicap. The handicap class sets a time penalty for each individual runner used, so it benefits teams to use the same runners again and again. I myself ran two legs of around 5k each, plus four uphill mini-relays, and that was quite enough for me, I can tell you!
It is a real team event, and a chance to get to know and work with more members in the club. It is not just a race for superstars, there are different roles that are needed, and everyone is equally important, as only by each person executing their role correctly and on time can we get the baton to the finish. We require at least one woman runner and one junior runner under 16 on the day of the race. Everyone really enjoyed it last year, and we were very proud of our achievement. Perhaps this year we can do even better. Best of all, though, it is a chance to run across some of the most spectacular scenery along the south coast. It is a great day out.
The key roles that are needed are:
Individual leg runners:
Running legs are mostly around 3-5k, some are flat along the coast, most are ‘undulating', some are very steep. There are some very tough sections along the coast in the second half, around 6-7k, which cannot easily be subdivided, so we do need strong runners for these. You should expect to run at least two individual legs during the day, and probably 2-3 short hilly relay sections as well. All levels of running ability are welcome. We may try to use ‘stretch relays' of shorter legs (0.5 to 1k) to cover some parts if we can master the logistics. This depends on how many runners we have.
Relay drivers:
We use relay drivers to move runners to various relay locations. These drivers run relays, but do not run individual legs. This role would suit a parent with a child, who can both run relay sections but stay together during the day. Their car will need to be large enough to take a minimum of three adults in the rear, plus reasonable boot space for rucksacks etc. Last year, we used two relay cars.
Delivery drivers:
We use delivery drivers to take individual leg runners to their next start point, and collect runners at the end of their leg. These drivers are the real heroes and heroines of the team. It is essential that their deliveries and collections are made on time. They do not run in the race. This role might suit an (arm-twisted!) parent, partner, or friend, driving with a co-navigator. Without these stalwarts, we can have no team. Last year, we used two delivery cars. (Contact the Parkers or the Gibsons if you'd like to know more about this role).
Race Control:
We use text messaging to inform each other of changeover events. We route these through a central person acting as ‘Race Control'. Last year this was carried out by one of the driving teams, but it is quite intensive, and is really a separate role (several of our team had hardly ever sent a text before the race!). If someone fancies a day out in Dorset, timing teams through various points, distributing texts, and running the master spreadsheet, this would be very helpful.
The commitment required is to be in Dorset for the early morning of the race day, which really means B & B the night before. If someone wants to travel on the day and run then go home, we'll try to accommodate that, but that does put pressure on the other runners, and we make no saving on our team handicap time.
We also do prepare for the event, as shown below. These occasions are a good chance to get to know the rest of the team, and to practise the logistics of baton changing, runner delivery and collection, and navigation on a particular route.
- Time Trials
This is a light-hearted mid-week evening session in Star Posts, with two runs, an 800m and 3.5k run, to find out people's natural pace. This allows us to allocate running legs which suit all abilities, and to prepare an overall race schedule. It is not a selection trial. This will be held in April.
- Footpath Relay Session
This is a midweek training session held on the Ridgeway south of Wantage, from about 5 pm to 8 pm (late starts might be accommodated within this). This is a relay run along the Ridgeway, testing runner deliveries and collections, and running some short relays. This will be held probably in early May.
So, it's not too much to ask, is it? We all greatly enjoyed the day out last year, and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes running through beautiful scenery. The website for the event is at http://web.mac.com/richardsonjx/iWeb/DorsetCoastPathRelay/Home.html. The site includes pictures and articles from various teams, including ourselves. It also provides details of the route and rules.Go on, spoil yourself and join us - because you're worth it! Not all last year's team can make it this year (the date does clash with the French 3 Days at Fontainebleau), and new entrants will be very welcome. We'd particularly like to include some younger runners as well.
If you're interested, or have any queries, please mail me at or phone me on 01344-773882.
Martin Wilson
February 2009.
