Thames goes to the seaside

This year’s Outlying Run was held at Swanage in the Isle of Purbeck. We were blessed by great weather, some wonderful coastal running, plenty of hills and the occasional castle. Plus the creature comforts of great accommodation and excellent food…

We continued the relatively recent tradition of putting on Outlying Runs that catered for runners of all standards, walkers and associated children.  We were based at the Swanage Youth Hostel which, recently refurbished, provided excellent accommodation and meals. A few members were accommodated in nearby hotels etc. Around 30 of us in total.

Andy Howse working with input from Paul Newby produced a great map with a selection of wonderful routes ranging from 4 miles to 16 miles.

The carver excelled herself in organising an excellent tea, a nearby pub for pre-dinner drinks, a perfect dinner for runners who had just finished anything up to 16 miles and a great pub in Studland village for Sunday Lunch after the morning walk. Larry Matthews and guitar entertained the group with some great old Thames favourites in the very comfortable oak panelled lounge.

Overall, a wonderfully organised and enjoyable event!

Here are a few photos to give you a taste of the weekend:

In the early stages of the runs
Larry feeling the hills
Just to prove that there was some lovely hills to run up!
The long group heading for Corfe Castle
The 16 milers
A few of the Sunday walkers near Old Harry Rocks
Sunday lunch at the Bankes Arms in Studland