Cotswold Challenge 2008: Report & Results

Return to Cotswold Challenge Page

The 19^th Cotswold Challenge (2008) – Event Report

The gloom pervading the British landscape in 2008 temporarily lifted as a misty autumnal dawn broke in Birdlip on 27^th September 2008.

At first light, in a well-practiced routine, a dozen dedicated stalwarts from Bristol & West swung into action for the 19^th Cotswold Challenge and took over the village hall that was to become their HQ for the day. Ten minutes later; check-in desks were set up, seating areas sorted, parking signs posted and, most importantly, urns were humming and teapots flowing.

With a disappointingly small number of pre-entries (blame the credit crunch), a 250-entry limit and lots of last minute enquiries (spurned on by forecasts of good weather) even our most experienced check-in and catering teams were pondering the final numbers and poised for action. Meanwhile the old hands knowingly said ‘we always get 170’

As usual, entrants streamed in over the next two hours and the numbers rose. A record number of entrants on the day gave us 167 entrants and 148 starters of which 36 had opted for the runners’ start at 09.30 - an hour after the main start.

From an elevated position on the Car Park wall, Richard gave his traditional Cotswold Challenge welcomes and briefings for both starts. People listened attentively as Richard gave forewarnings of errant golf balls in Painswick and runaway combined harvesters in Bisley. He finished his oratory and sent them off - into the early morning mist. 112 walkers and 36 runners.

Behind the scenes, check-pointers were suitably instructed, provisioned and despatched to their various locations. After they left, calm albeit temporary, returned to Birdlip.

By mid-morning the fog had lifted, the sun was shining, revealing the true splendour of the Cotswolds in autumn. A splendour that we regulars so easily take for granted, but visitors find so hugely inspiring.

Back in HQ the logistics and catering teams were busily preparing top-up supplies for checkpoints – Water for Haresfield, Crisps for Painswick, Cake for Coopers – all willingly transported and delivered by returning marshals. Later, the catering operation went into full swung showing true prowess in slicing cabbage, dicing carrots and chopping onions to a secret recipe for that legendary Cotswold Challenge coleslaw. On top of that they so cheerfully supplied endless cups of tea to walkers, returning marshals and supporters alike.

With the first walkers (runners) returning in the early afternoon sunshine, the makeshift outside eating and resting area proved a great success with the trickle of early finishers. Later, the trickle rose to a torrent and phones were full of activity with check-pointers busily checking numbers, accounting for missing walkers and summoning logistical support (AKA Richard D) to transport the few unfortunate souls retiring.

By late afternoon the torrent returned to a trickle with the last two walkers escaping our sweeper’s beady eye and arriving shortly after. The results are on our website and shown separately. 

All round an excellent day. Particular thanks to the following B&W members:

·         Car park attendants - Bruce, Ray, Derek, Dennis

·         Entries on day – Chris, Shirley

·         Pre-entries – Brian, Catherine

·         Tea services – Jenny, Molly, Jill + anyone spare

·         General help with catering/checkpoints - Jon, Richard J + anyone else

·         CP1 Miserden - Richard D, Dennis

·         CP2 Round Elm - Brian, Derek

·         CP3 Haresfield - Mac, Jill, Mike, Molly, Ray, Bruce

·         CP4 Painswick - Chris, Shirley, Catherine

·         CP5 Coopers Hill – 1^st shift: Ray, Wendy, Geoff. 2^nd shift: Brian, Derek & Anne

·         Check in at base – Richard, Jon

·         Kitchen duties / roving marshals – Jenny, Richard D, Dennis

·         Sweeper - Simon

And special thanks to Richard J, for whom CC08 coincided with his birthday – not a huge one but big enough to entice him away before close-down. 

With so many grateful people, it’s hard for us to grasp how much Challenge Walks mean to LDWA and B&W members. Here are just three of the many appreciative comments from our entrants:

…….. “I would like to pass on my thanks to all those involved in today's Cotswold Challenge. The organisation was, as usual, first class and the checkpoint helpers were friendly and full of encouragement. The food was excellent. How on earth you managed to organise such magnificent weather is beyond my comprehension, but it allowed some fantastic views from the hilltops. Well done and thank you to Bristol and West LDWA for another great event.

…….. “Thanks very much to everyone who supported the day we had a great time.

…….. “You'll most definitely see me in 2009.  Huge thanks for putting on such a great event; I look forward to doing many more!

So in conclusion – thanks to everybody who helped make CC08 such a great success. All involved escaped the gloom, had a fulfilling day, enjoyed convivial company and saw the Cotswolds at their very best. And how good is that?

Jon Bateman  

Richard's Tail Piece

I should like to take this opportunity to give a sincere thanks to all Bristol & West members who once again turned out to assist with the Cotswold Challenge. Some were there from the start to finish and bore the rigours of working in the kitchen or on a checkpoint without complaint. Thank you also for cleaning the hall and closing the event in my absence, it was much appreciated.

Just a couple of slight niggles from this year to impart to you; firstly, many of you - 35% to be precise, omitted to enclose a SAE with your entry. Regardless of the reason, this problem has been steadily getting worse and this year is crunch time, -rather a topical word, next year I shall telephone you for the missing SAE rather than having to continually buy your stamp and envelope.

Secondly, a small number of you are parking in the village, taking up resident's places and in one instance 'boxing' a car in. Please desist from this and park where directed - don't be lazy. We get on well with the locals.

Apart from that I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible next year, regulars and newcomers alike

Richard Jasper

Results