Atlantic Coast Challenge

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ATLANTIC COAST CHALLENGE 2011

EVENT REPORT

30th Sept – 2nd Oct ’11 Atlantic Coastal Path Cornwall

Click here for results for all 3 days.        Click here for link to event photos.

With weather forecasts predicting clear blue skies and temperatures reaching a barmy 26 degrees for the start of October, Thurs evening saw the votwo team welcoming the first of some 160 participants taking part in the 2011 Atlantic Coast Challenge – three days with 78.6 miles to cover on two feet, either walking or running (well to start with at least!). A great sense of anticipation and camaraderie filled the event HQ marquee as participants settled into a pasta feast, to study route maps and share tales of training and their journey to the challenge. The entry field included challenge favorite VO2’s own elite ultra marathon runner Adam Holland through to corporate teams from Innocent Drinks and Weatherbys. 

 Day 1:

Maps issued, kit checked, breakfast feasted upon and event briefing given, participants jumped onto the fleet of votwo mini buses eager to get to the start of the Challenge at Round Hole near Harlyn Bay, host to votwo’s Padstow Triathlon. With the walking groups setting off first, the early morning Cornish mist lifted to reveal stunning sun kissed cliff tops and the rolling surf of Constantine Bay. With the fresh echoes of Ben’s quote of the day ‘The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination’ the three day journey had begun with many soon realizing both the enormity of the challenge ahead but also the comfort, draw and shear natural beauty of the rugged Atlantic coastal paths. Dotted every 8-10km walkers and runners alike were greeted by the welcoming sight of a votwo aid station, manned by ever smiling and motivational staff providing drink refills and anything from USN Sports Nutrition products, to jelly babies and the now infamous votwo ‘Cheese and Pickle’ sandwiches. With temperatures pushing above 20 degrees the rolling surf off Newquay and Fistral Beach had an inviting draw, before the final day one push to the Perranporth finish along the long sandy stretch of Perran Beach. The faster Day 1 finishers were able to head straight across the beach much to the amazement of on looking surfers, while the late finishers were able to admire a stunning sunset across the bay as the incoming tide pushed them up over the cliff tops. Refreshed and aided by USN recovery products and homemade lentil soup, participants returned to the event HQ at the St Ive’s Bay Holiday Park to take a relaxing wade in the sea, massage and more votwo welcoming hospitality. At the front end of the Challenge field Adam Holland recorded an impressive 3hrs 49mins for the 27.4 miles, with Andy Brooks from Total Fitness Bath some 20mins behind. Sarah Kenneyworth from Hayle Runners came in in 4hrs 21mins to record the fourth fastest time of the day. For most the finish wasn’t about times, it was about experience, the shared company and the beauty of the Cornish Coastline. 

 Day 2: 

 A quieter calmness at dawn, saw walkers and runners emerge from there accommodation, the fatigue of their day one exertions quickly forgotten with the promise of more stunning views, beach stretches and slow roasted lamb from the votwo bar-b-que at the end of the day. An uphill start to Droskyn Point and rising temperatures immediately reminded Challengers that Day 2 would be challenging for all. Taking in some of the best of the National Trust’s managed coastal properties the route meandered through check point/aid stations at Portreath Beach, Godrevy point before again approaching the finish along sandy beaches and dunes, this time in St Ive’s Bay. At the finish in record temperatures for October, participants were greeted with smell of slow roasting BBQ rosemary and garlic lamb and ice cold Innocent Smoothie’s and Juices supplied very kindly through the ‘Innocent Ladies’ team who were taking part in their first Challenge event.  Once again Adam Holland and Andy Brooks led at the front of the field with Sarah Kenneyworth showing great strength in holding 5th place overall and first lady. Despite the fatigue, blisters and mild sunburn, the evening bar-b-que became a focal point for new found friendships and the shared satisfaction of completing a hard day on foot. 

 Day 3: 

 The morning started, not with a dawn chorus of birds, but with a long chattering queue of Challenger’s waiting to have the inevitable blisters drawn by the fantastic Challenge medical support team and to have legs stretched and massaged to ease the aches and pains before starting the final stage from Lelant to Lands End. With probably the hardest terrain of the challenge ahead some appeared a little apprehensive, contemplating the morning service at Lelant Church as the more attractive option than the start line. However, once on the move, smiles returned to faces as Challenges passed through Zennor, Rosemergy, and on down to the most stunning National Trust site at Cape Cornwall. The final stretch from this viewing point above Priest’s Cove to Lands End itself took Challengers along rugged cliff tops and the sandy hillocks of Whitesand Bay stretching endurance to the limits. But with the promise of a finishers medal and the reward of prize winning traditional Cornish pasties from Padstow’s Chough Bakery waiting at the First and Last House, Lands End, everyone reached deep into their inner strength, answering any questions of self doubt and on to the finish with immense pride and more than a few tears of joy. Lands End was lit with the warmth of a most beautiful sunset, the end of a great Challenge event that had inspired and rewarded all through an amazing shared experience and promises of never again, well not until the next time, so when can I sign up to the JCC.             

Even challenge favourite Adam Holland toiled on the last stage finishing Day 3 in 5hrs 6mins and an overall Challenge time of 12hrs 50mins. Sarah Kenneyworth maintained her dominance also finishing in 15hrs 20mins and 5th overall. For the majority of the Challengers though, times were insignificant in comparison to the personal journeys made over the three days, the sense of pride and fulfilment crossing the finishing line and the new friendships that had formed on the Atlantic coastal paths. Such was the spirit of the event many Challengers were reluctant to leave the finish wanting to see the last individuals and teams safely home across the line. A huge votwo congratulations to all those who took part in this years Atlantic Coast Challenge – you are amazing! And to the individuals and teams who raised significant sums for a range of charities through the Challenge we applaud you. A special thank you to the votwo staff team who tirelessly supported the Challengers and who all contributed so much to the smooth running and overall success of this event. Extended thanks also go to our event partners and sponsors, USN, Skinners Brewery, The Chough Bakery – Padstow, The National Trust, Innocent Drinks and Lands End.