It's a Roller Coaster ride for Chairman Bob!

On Saturday 12th May Exmouth Harriers' trusty chairman, Bob Keast, travelled to Wales to take part in the Rhondda Roller Coaster 26.5 miler. With the option of either running or walking the race, there were two different start times, with Bob and the running contingent setting out at a more sedate 9am. Nothing else about this event was sedate though, with the route involving 5500ft of total vertical climb as it twisted and turned, peaked and troughed - as its metaphorical title suggests - around (altogether, with your finest Southern Welsh accents please) 'The Valleys'!

If all this height is to be gained, it stands to reason that participants will want to be rewarded for their efforts, and on this run they were by no means disappointed with the reward coming in the form of some sensational views (see Bob's photos below for just a few examples). But whilst the views might have been breathtaking, running up those mighty hills to see them also took quite a bit of breath and made for a gruelling 26.5 miles.

As Bob started out he knew he was to be in for a long day on the feet. Recent wet spells had made the ground quite muddy in places but the sun came out on the day, even getting to be quite hot at some stages. Luckily there were 3 control points all offering refreshment to the weary runners, with the last check point sneekily being at a pub! Copious amounts of cake were thrown into the bargain, and, speaking of bargain, with an entry fee of just £6.20, this event offered truly great value for money.

So, how did Chair fair? Well, he completed the challenging and hilly course in a rather respectable 6 hours 41 mins. Upon crossing the finish line he was entreated to some very welcome home-made soup and yet more cake offerings! In short - a cracking day out in a beautiful part of Wales. Will Bob be back there next year? His answer:  "you bet I will"! Satisfied customer then!!

Some of the stunning scenery that Bob ran through on his 26.5 mile jaunt in the Welsh Valleys

(No photos offered of Bob actually running, so we'll just have to rely on the fact that, as Chairman, we can trust his word to the hilt and believe him when he says he was there!!)