Badminton Bolt 10K Race Report βš‘οΈπŸ˜ŽπŸ‘ - Fun Beyond 10K & ...

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Badminton Bolt 10K Race Report βš‘οΈπŸ˜ŽπŸ‘

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon
β€’42 Replies

I had to do this one. It’s on my doorstep, the funds go to support a local school, the location is beautiful and it was my first 10K race since December 2021!!! Oh, and there was going to be bling 🀩

I didn’t find out until this morning that this was the very first Bolt 10K. There has been a 5K before and this was an option today too. Children are encouraged and it was just lovely to see so many little ones all wandering around with their own bibs and afterwards, with their medals πŸ₯°

There were 157 runners for the 5K but only 35 for the 10K! Such a change from Bath where I ran with over 10,000!!! But I love these smaller, local events. There’s a real sense of community and a lovely atmosphere, more chilled, than some of the other bigger events.

The route was two laps of grassland and gravel paths, mostly flat so there was sure to be PBs, but not for me. I had done zero training for this so my aim was simply to enjoy it all and get the bling at the end πŸ…

Military cadets acted as the marshals and it was reassuring to see them on the course because I kept thinking they would all be first aid trained! They were all very supportive and kept us on the right paths.

The route was grassland, meadows, lovely countryside and a few trees which provided much welcomed shade. At one point we turned off track a bit and I recognised the route as one I do for some of my longer runs! So it was lovely to be on familiar ground and know where I was going.

When the sun came out it grew quite hot and I was glad I remembered to put the sun cream and sunglasses on. But I felt my face turn the usual red at about 4K so you can imagine the colour when I finished πŸ₯΅ You can see it in the finish photo!

Shortly before the end of the first lap, we were running right towards Badminton House * It was a beautiful sight and I wish I had taken my phone to take a photo but I had left it behind this time. For any Bridgerton fans, a lot of filming is done at Badminton and the recent Netflix series, The Gentlemen, was also filmed here, where you can see a lot of the grounds and surrounding parklands.

(Call out for Beachcomber66 ! I didn’t see any filming today ☹️)

But I did see my husband taking photos at the first lap and then it was a quick wave and onto the second lap. At that point I really wanted to stop as I was a tad overheated, but needs must, one foot in front of the other and keep breathing.

For a lot of this route I was on my own. The speedsters were way ahead, but it was lovely as I felt this was just a usual 10K run and I really enjoyed the solitude and beautiful surroundings.

But thank goodness I heard the finish line before I saw it and then it was a final effort to try a sprint finish to cross the line. Hurrah!!! My husband was there to take some photos and a few videos but he was good to capture my relief on this photo as soon as I stopped. Phew!

Someone handed me my bling and I went off to get a banana from someone else. The bling is wooden which is not my favourite but I guess it’s the way forward now and at the end of the day bling is bling!

Time 1:09:28 which was better than I expected considering no training and I stopped twice to drink some water. But I was first in my age category! Don’t tell anyone but that’s because there was only me in my age category πŸ˜‚ πŸ˜‚ But hey I can say it and not be lying πŸ€”

In summary, it was a lovely little event and very well organised. I do hope they continue next year. If so, then I can see this becoming one of my β€œmust do 10Ks” every year πŸ₯°

Now to get started on some proper training. I have two more races coming up in June so let’s get going….. πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸ’ͺ🀩

*stock photo from Wikipedia

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Irishprincess
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42 Replies
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Cowladyrunning profile image
CowladyrunningMarathon

Congratulations IP, that does sound a great race! Well done for coming first in your age too - take the win!!! It sounds very similar to the Westonbirt 10k - with this there are a few more runners but still not enough to lose the friendly feel and enjoy all the peaceful surroundings :) Amazingly, as we are a fair way away in Monmouthshire, our farm house used to be owned by the Badminton estate - I believe because of links to Raglan castle - fascinating history stuff πŸ˜€Nice bling and you do not look red!

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathonβ€’ in reply toCowladyrunning

I’ve done the Westonbirt 10K (the school location rather than the arboretum) loads of times and love it. Their medals were always brilliant although I haven't done one in a few years there so that might have changed.

That’s really interesting about Raglan and Badminton. History is fascinating, we keep finding out loads of fun facts and interesting links.

Thank you for saying I don’t look red. It took over two hours for my face to return to its normal colour! πŸ₯΅

Cowladyrunning profile image
CowladyrunningMarathonβ€’ in reply toIrishprincess

Oh I didn't know there was a different Westonbirt 10k too.. I have only done the Relish running one. I love finding the history stuff out 😊

I always think that about my face but I've been told it's not red. My legs however.... I know they go bright red cos I can see them πŸ˜‚

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathonβ€’ in reply toCowladyrunning

Yes it’s a bit confusing. The Westonbirt 10K is in the arboretum and is managed by Relish, but The Westonbirt House 10Ks and HMs are around Westonbirt School and used to be managed by DBMax but they are now managed by icompete which is now run by the ex Events Director. There are runs at Christmas, Easter and summer for the School and are lovely events, so definitely worth doing!

icompete.co.uk/events/westo...

Cowladyrunning profile image
CowladyrunningMarathonβ€’ in reply toIrishprincess

Ok thanks for that ..

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon

You were clearly looking for the cameras though πŸŽ₯. πŸƒβ€β™€οΈ. Great running, lovely surroundings and fine weather; what more could we ask for?

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathonβ€’ in reply toBeachcomber66

Perhaps the directors were hiding… πŸ™ˆ

GTFC profile image
GTFCMarathon

Just brilliant Irishprincess so many positives from this race πŸ…β­ I love the finish line photograph, it's something that I hope spurs you on for more. To race this with the background you had was just terrific πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathonβ€’ in reply toGTFC

Thanks GT. I really enjoyed this one and hope to do it again. Perhaps in years to come there will be hundreds of runners and I can say that I was there at the first one where there was only 35!

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy510 Miles

How wonderful to be part of a community run in such a beautiful location Β Irishprincess . I’ve taken part in small races where it’s felt like I’m running on my own too, it’s strange isn’t it? . Very well done for being the best in your age group too.

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathonβ€’ in reply toDexy5

The surroundings were gorgeous and I really wanted to stop several times to have a sit down and just enjoy it all πŸ˜‚

Shake-and-run profile image
Shake-and-runHalf Marathon

well done IP, sounds like a fun event. Perhaps it should be a HU meet up next time, that will swell their coffers!

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathonβ€’ in reply toShake-and-run

That’s a great idea S&R! It’s a date!

MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingHalf Marathon

This sounds like an absolutely brilliant run for you-congratulations!! Loved the report. Well earned bling. I think this one might need to be on my calendar next year!

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathonβ€’ in reply toMissUnderstanding

It was a really lovely one MissU and I just hope the organisers will do it again next year. I guess it depends how much they raised and if it was worth it for the school.

I’ll let you know when I see any advertising for it πŸ™‚

Week7 profile image
Week7Half Marathon

Thus sounds like a lovely chilled race. My only non virtual HM was at Badminton in 2021. Running across the front of the house is so stunning isn't it! Definitely sounds like one to try next year!

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathonβ€’ in reply toWeek7

I didn't know there was ever a Badminton HM! Was it a tough mudder event as I know they take place there too?

Week7 profile image
Week7Half Marathonβ€’ in reply toIrishprincess

It was part of the Beyond Badminton Trail event-there were 10k, HM,M and Ultra races. Unfortunately it looks like the 2022 was cancelled and I can see no further events. Its a real shame as I was going go have another go this year! Now ots looking like Westonbirt June or Cheltenham September. Both would be lovely but not chilled events.Have you tried a tough mudder?-not sure I would have the strength fot that!

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathonβ€’ in reply toWeek7

Ah I missed out on that one. No I’ve never done a tough mudder 😱I’d probably get injured during training πŸ˜‚

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Half Marathon

Well done IP - that does sound like a really lovely event and like you, I enjoy these community runs just as much as the bigger ones. I am quite liking the wooden medals these days but they’re not quite the same as a good ol’ weighty metal one are they?!

Oh, and I love the finish line photo - very fitting for category winner! πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ…

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathonβ€’ in reply toSandraj39

I love the weight of a good old metal medal. Some races give us the choice at time of booking if we even want a medal, which is a good idea because I hear there are some people out there who don’t like medals πŸ™€

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Miles

Congratulations πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘ sounds really lovely

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathonβ€’ in reply toSueAppleRun

Thanks Sue, it was just a lovely little event πŸ₯°

Katnap profile image
KatnapMarathon

Ooh! The medal will hang the right way around. It gets a bit annoying when medals want to hang edge on πŸ€”

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathonβ€’ in reply toKatnap

Oh I didn't think about that Katnap!!

lexi6 profile image
lexi610 Miles

I enjoyed your report IP, a lovely fundraising idea, set in a beautiful place and bling! πŸ₯°

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathonβ€’ in reply tolexi6

Thanks lexi! I really hope they do it again next year.

aliboo70 profile image
aliboo70Half Marathon

That sounds great Irishprincess ! Such pretty surroundings and an excellent finish photo of you! You've inspired me for my own 10k,heading out soon xxx

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathonβ€’ in reply toaliboo70

Enjoy it Ali. The weather here is gorgeous and hopefully yours is too 😎xxx

Cantstopmenow profile image
CantstopmenowHalf Marathon

Well done on your success. How nice to run in a small event in such beautiful surroundings. Well done too for coming first in your age category without even trying. Xx

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathonβ€’ in reply toCantstopmenow

πŸ˜‚ I know! Next time I might try a bit harder πŸ˜‚

Cantstopmenow profile image
CantstopmenowHalf Marathonβ€’ in reply toIrishprincess

Finishing without injury is a great start, happy training 😊😊 x

Lavender1962 profile image
Lavender1962Half Marathon

Congratulations on your 10k ! It looks like a beautiful place to run. πŸ‘πŸ‘

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathonβ€’ in reply toLavender1962

It was such a treat πŸ™‚

Bluebirdrunner profile image
Bluebirdrunner

Congratulations on a super run IP. Bling is bling πŸ…πŸ‘Œ. Love your finish line flourish!

πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸ₯‡xxx

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathonβ€’ in reply toBluebirdrunner

Thank you BBR πŸ₯° The bling is most definitely the thing! πŸ˜‚ xxx

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon

Well done IP! πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ˜€πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸ…

Lovely venue to run at, it looks stunning. Lucky you πŸ€—πŸ€—πŸ€—

Bling too πŸ…πŸ€©

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathonβ€’ in reply tomisswobble

I did want to stop several times and have a little wander but I didn’t think that was the best idea in a race! πŸ˜‚

It’s always fab to run in different locations though πŸ₯°

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathonβ€’ in reply toIrishprincess

yes, it’s so easy to get distracted 😁

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathonβ€’ in reply tomisswobble

It is πŸ™‚

over61andstilltrying profile image
over61andstilltryingHalf Marathon

You sound so positive whoopee, whoopee. Raring to go on proper training, I wonder what that entails these days and June races too. Just sounds so good after a very tough time. Long may it continue 😊

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon

Proper training for me is strength training and some cross training. I’ve (sort of) started another HM plan as I have my eye on one in August that I’ve wanted to do for a few years.

Long may it continue for all of us πŸ€žπŸ€

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