Sunday 16^th September, 2018

The Ponton Plod is a multi-terrain route that starts at the village of Great Ponton, just outside Grantham taking in the surrounding villages. It was started in 2007 by Stuart and Kath Ashley with a choice of two distances, 17 or 27 miles and attracted an entry of 89 which was a reasonable number for the first year. In 2009 it was decided to introduce a shorter 12-mile route to try and attract more local walkers who may not want to do a longer distance. Although this attracted a few local walkers it attracted a lot of club runners. Since then entry numbers have increased most years and saw our largest entry in 2012 with 248 entrants about half of these were runners.

Arriving at Great Ponton, we were directed to the parking area which was a few minutes walk from the race HQ/Start in the village hall. No number as such to pick up for this race, instead we were given race cards which needed to be marked when we went through each of the various checkpoints on route. It was recommended that we took our mobiles with us and we were asked to log the number with the race organisers so we could be contacted in case of emergencies.

The village hall had plenty of toilets, a large warm dry area for people to wait for the start and room for runners to leave any items. Although no official bag drop so I wouldn’t recommend leaving anything of value. Additionally some very kind volunteers had kindly come in early to provide teas/coffee and even toast (for a small donation) prior to the start.

The 27 and 17 mile runners/walkers started at 8:30 with the 12 milers going off an hour later. No great fanfare, short safety talk and then at 8:30 we were off. The first part of the course took us on a footbridge over the A1 which bounced around as we all went over. We then went through part of Stoke Rochford golf course and then out into the countryside and villages surrounding Grantham. It was a very mixed terrain (farmers fields, trails, roads, footpaths) with some hills. I was a little nervous before I set off as everyone seemed to have printed off and were taking paper copies of the route map and instructions and I hadn’t. But I needn’t have worried as, apart from a couple of points were signs were hidden in bushes or couldn’t be seen until you were right on top of them, the route was very well marked. Besides there were plenty of others around to check with. Big shout out to Esther from Mansfield for keeping me company on the way round and stopping me getting lost!

All distances shared the same route for the first part of the course, the 27 milers than peeled off to get the extra miles in. The 17 milers also had an extra loop to do and then we came back onto the same course as the 12 milers. A couple of steep inclines, one in particular through the fields. But it was worth it when you got to the top just to stop and look at the view.

For the 17 milers there were 3 checkpoints as part of the route; 6 miles, 10 miles and then 14 miles. Two of the checkpoints were at village halls so toilets available if needed. And again, brilliant volunteers at each of them providing squash, water, cake and biscuits. After refuelling and getting my card stamped it was back out on the course again. There are no marshals on route so you are very much reliant on your own navigation skills and the signs.

I really couldn’t have asked for better weather, in the main it was sunny and not too warm. It did try and rain at one point but stopped quite quickly. Just a couple of areas were the wind picked up make it hard going but those points weren’t for long. I wore normal running shoes, but I think if the weather had been bad the previous week you probably would have been better off wearing trail shoes.

No finish line as such, just back into Great Ponton village hall, where your number and time is recorded (digital timer started when we all set off, bit like the Park runs). No medal given for this one, but you do get a certificate to say you’ve taken part with your time on it. Oh and you can purchase a t-shirt (£9). But better than a medal; hot soup, fruit crumble (with custard or cream), cakes and hot/cold drinks were waiting for you. I was stuffed by the time I headed back home J

Good Points

• Great facilities at the start/finish
• Brilliant volunteers
• Very well organised
• Relaxed run
• Scenic route that was well sign-posted
• Food/drink at regular checkpoints
• Toilet facilities at 2 of the checkpoints
• Soup, pudding and cakes at the finish…yum, yum!
•  

Not so good Points

• Ermmm, think I’m going to struggle with this
• For those that like your bling, no medal
• It’s not a race, don’t expect fantastic times (but that’s also a plus point)
• If the weather is bad, this could be quite a testing course
• No marshals on the course, just those at the checkpoints. But you are never far from a checkpoint and there is phone support

If you can’t already tell from the report, I thoroughly enjoyed that race and have no hesitation to be back there again next year. You can always tell when you have really enjoyed a run as the miles just seemed to go past so quickly. If you enjoy your club Sunday runs, enjoy running at a more relaxed pace through the countryside with some beautiful scenery then this is definitely the race for you. Everyone was just so friendly, runners, walkers and volunteers. The organisation of the event was spot on, facilities both at start/finish and at the various checkpoints were very well thought out and run. Plus, bonus hot food and drinks provided at the end.

It’s runs like this that remind me of why I love running

Links

https://thepontonplod.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/PontonPlod/

12 Mile Course

17 Mile Course

27 Mile Course