What could go wrong? – a race called Black Death, enough to strike fear into your heart before you event reach the start line.
However, the name of the race relates to the location – a village wiped out by the plague between Minehead and Taunton.
But it might as well describe the race which is ten miles of many daunting inclines of largely stony forest tracks. More than most races it certainly feels longer than ten miles.
The race is more of an event than most with its own metal arched and named start, hog roast, samba band and bar etc. To add to the atmosphere the race marshals dress as the Grim Reaper and the finishers’ non-technical t-shirt features a reaper while trophies were skull-shaped.
Despite this morbid theme (or perhaps because of it) the ten-mile race attracted 261 runners including intrepid Musketeers: Sharon A, Sarah A, Darren D, Bryan K, Louise K, Caroline E, Neil W, Maggie L and Guy B.
Not content with completing the Tavistock 10km the night before some of these Musketeers volunteered to do it all again, but harder. Hard core or what? Do they know when to stop?!
All but Guy completed the race in one group which Louise reckons is harder than the infamous Castle Drogo off-road race.
The first two miles are a steep and winding climb. Two thirds of the way through is a shorter but steeper climb which really is cruel as you are getting very tired. This last major hill is also out in the open and under the sun this time. Most of the route is cool under the trees and some is muddy and never dries out. One short muddy bank takes a sliding racer either into the runners in front or directly into a stream.
There are as many descents as climbs and some are worse than ascents because you have less control and they put more stress on the knees. I think Caroline would agree on that. This was Guy’s second Black Death which he managed in eight minutes faster than last year. I am not sure if the others would all do it again, hopefully some will.
The organisers do a very good job with plenty of water stops, numbers issued by post before hand and good directions to a remote spot and top entertainment and refreshments and prompt results service. A major complaint however, was poor route signage prix viagra en pharmacie france. Guy was lost twice and a fellow runner was also lost once, due to poor signs and some marshals not directing at crucial points.
Lots of thanks must go to honorary Musketeer Penny who supported vociferously and took photos as well as finishing the 3-mile fun run.
By Guy