Serpent Trail race report.

An Ultra 100km legend, a podium finisher in the half marathon — and lots of smiling Milers. What a day!

Did you know that one of the UK’s top trail running races passes through Midhurst? The Serpent Trail route zigzags across our back yard, arriving from Petworth via Ambersham Common and across Bepton Road into The Severals, underneath Sunset Hill and then out over Stedham Common en route to Petersfield. No surprise that it’s popular with Midhurst Milers — we had ten entries lined up for 2021 across the 100km, 50km and Half Marathon races.

Mark R and the 100km

100km races are the stuff of legends. The race started at Haslemere at 6am and followed the trail out to Liphook, back across to Petworth and Fittleworth, and then back to Petworth via Midhurst. That’s 62 miles in old money. Mark will tell you that there are a few hills along the way(!), plenty of mud, tree roots and obstacles (the stiles are the worst) but he only went and did it! Mark stormed home in 12.5 hours and was still smiling at the end… What a legend!

Mike takes a podium finish in the Half Marathon

Over on the Half Marathon course Mike pulled off a third place with only a handful of seconds separating the top three finishers. Mike was originally down to run the 50km race but injury forced him to swap to the Half at the last minute. Just imagine what Mike could achieve if he wasn’t injured! Well done Mike!

And well done to all of the others who took part

And finally a big congratulations to all of the other Midhurst runners in the Half Marathon. A big shout out to Carina, Pippa, Simon, Michelle, Lucy and Mark who all romped home in super quick times, smashing a few PBs along the way. Thoughts also to Will and Andy who weren’t able to take part because they were self-isolating at home with Rona.