The first Fox Ultra, run on the same weekend as the London Marathon, attracted 225 runners across the finish line and looks set to be a great addition to the ultra calendar.
The event had sold out well in advance, which is very impressive for an inaugural. There were plenty of options. Participants could choose to tackle the headline 60km ultra as an individual or as part of a relay team, or take part in the Fox Marathon (42km) or Fox 20km.
Starting (and finishing) at the Wilfred Noyce Centre in Godalming, the 60km route followed the Fox Way – a waymarked trail circumnavigating Guildford – established by local walker Richard Fox. The Fox Way follows some of Surrey’s most secret and beautiful trails through the Surrey Hills from Godalming, west out to Puttenham, through Worplesdon, Ripley, Clandon and Shere and back south to Godalming.
Participants received great support from the event crew – who had dressed for the occasion in Fox ears and tails. There were feed stations every every 10km (along the 60km route).
First across the line for the men and women’s wins, were John Melbourne (4:46), and Sarah Hill (5:14) for the ultra distance; David Chapman (3:17) and Sophie Ponsillo (4:15) for the marathon; and Adam Teszke (1:23) and Anna Klintman (1:46) for the 20km.
