Race report by Paul Jones on his recent success at the Trail Middle Distance Championships.

Bit out of ordinary for me as I much prefer road but this weekend tackled the North Downs 30km trail race, for an extra incentive (and encouraged by Jon who seems to have more faith in my ability than I do) entered it through the British Masters Athletics to try and medal in the Trail Middle distance v45 championship. Outside chance but a chance..
Race started at 10.30 and it was already very hot.
The course was very tough…. Lots of hills, gates and styles. But such a great mix of single track across fields of crops, fields of grass, lovely villages and lots of wooded areas. Even some steps to kill the legs some more. Heat was draining, saw some not making the finish, and last few water stations I stopped to make sure I got fluids and sponges. Even then last few miles were rough. Just keep moving forward.
Finished 33 Rd out of 500 + finishers. ( 4th v45) Think it was 660 entered.
2 hrs 19 minutes.
Prize giving…. Nice trophies, the BMAF official presented medals… I was not in top 3. Sort of disappointed but happy with performance.
4 hrs travel home..
Results out so look through and realise something looked wrong.
Contacted BMAF to confirm
And it turns out a mistake was made..
I was 3rd in BMAF Middle Distance Trail Championship
Just got to wait for my medal now 🤐
Best thing on day
Charlotte tackling another race, starting right at the front 😎
😎. In her 1km race she came 2nd.
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