I have been going to Brands Hatch for over 35 years as a spectator so I could not resist the chance of running around the track.
There was ample parking in the Paddock area but not marshalled so some cars were blocked in!
There were just under 500 runners who gathered on a chilly, breezy morning by the pits on the Starting grid where I met Bridgit, Chris, Ann & Jane all keen to get going!
I thought I knew the track well & could only visualise a couple of testing hills, however I discovered there is very little that is flat or doesn’t have a camber.
After the start there is a slight rise to “Paddock Hill Bend” then down & up “Hailwood Hill” to “Druids hairpin”. We would make this climb 3 times during the run.
For those who know Brands Hatch the course was 1 lap of the club circuit followed by 1 lap of Grand Prix circuit. At the end of the 2nd lap you leave the track at top of Paddock Hill & join the perimeter dirt road. This runs past the paddock area & climbs again to the top outside of Druids (4 miles). Across the bridge over “Pilgrims Drop” turning right to follow the road back to main entrance. The course then turns right into a couple of fields normally used as car parks. Then back to main entrance & behind the main Grandstands into the Paddock area. A U turn under the tunnel takes you to the back of the pits, down the Pit lane (7 miles) followed by another lap of GP circuit. Exit the track at “Paddock Hill” & follow perimeter road again as before. You return to the Paddock area & again U turn under the tunnel but join the track on “Cooper Straight”, through “Surtees”, “McLaren”, up round “Clearways” & “Clarke Curve”, down “Brabham Straight” to the finish line.
Everybody got a goody bag with T-shirt, Medal, etc.
All agreed it was quite a test but enjoyable. It was also good for spectators as the runners pass the Paddock Hill area 9 times & can be seen for a good proportion of the track.
“The Kentagon” was open for refreshments as well.
Showers were available but a shell-shocked runner looked me in the face & said “They’re Cold” so I decided to give them a miss!
I have already made a note in my diary for next year!