The Ben Race

[Also Ran]

I think the main problem here lies with the absence of a more practical substitution policy. At present I think non runners have to declare by end of July - most people who are injured will probably be hoping they will be fit by early Sept and there is still over 5 weeks for other runners to injure themselves.
I understand that the organisers dont really want 500 actually running - this number seems to reduce to around the 350 (which the organisers seem comfortable with) by a combination of the previously mentioned factors.
I do believe that the race is certainly poorer for not having the top runners there - Ian Holmes case is a good case in point and I would certainly prefer to see him in the race. How you legislate however is always going to be difficult. I dont think only allowing people who can beat 2.30 would be fair and that would also change the nature of the event. My solution would be a subsititution system in the same way as 3 Peaks ie within same club up to the day of the race.
Last year Keiron Carr of Clayton (V60 winner) was on reserve list and had at least 7 offers from fellow CLEM runners for their number. Obviously this wouldnt have been allowed and he did get his subsitution via legitimate means eventually.
Guaranteed entry for first 10 and the category first 3 might also help. The debate will continue no doubt

[Tomsk]

Lots of innovative ideas coming through on this thead on the way the BNR should sort its pre entries in the future. Lets hope that the BNR committee are reading this thread. I think not. Can live in hope.
Lets get back to see which forumites are doing the race this year. Do we have an update on entries and reserves etc.
Also lets get some postings on here for those that have sent their entries back, cannot do the race due to unforseen circumstances etc etc.

Keep the thread at the top of the leader board.

Best Hill race in the UK. If not let us know !!!!!
That should get some varied comments !!

[Timo Austino]

Ayup,

Nats and I emailed the organiser a couple of weeks back and they seemed genuinley aware of the problems and want to try and do something about it, but powers beyond their control place a limit of 500 on the whole shibang!

Their advice, for next year at least, was to try and get your entry in as soon as possible - 2008 entries from the end of Sept and any earlier will be officially barred from all future races....... honest!

[daz h]

just glad im in this magical race
everyone from my missus to my workmates have said im nuts to do it but i just cant wait
i really would like to know if theres any specific trainin i can do for the ben or should i just keep doing plenty of races and lots of hill work.
want to really give it my all

[Timo Austino]

just glad im in this magical race
everyone from my missus to my workmates have said im nuts to do it but i just cant wait
i really would like to know if theres any specific trainin i can do for the ben or should i just keep doing plenty of races and lots of hill work.
want to really give it my all

Daz, nowt like rubbin' it in is there!!!

[daz h]

Daz, nowt like rubbin' it in is there!!!

sorry mate but its my first time
im sooo excited
sorry your not in yet, i couldnt believe it filled up that quick

[Marvin]

sorry mate but its my first time
im sooo excited
sorry your not in yet, i couldnt believe it filled up that quick

It's the pits of a race really. Don't know what the fuss is about. If you aren't running you aren't missing anything. Can't think why I'm doing it again.......








...... or maybe I can!

[clodhopper]

just glad im in this magical race
everyone from my missus to my workmates have said im nuts to do it but i just cant wait
i really would like to know if theres any specific trainin i can do for the ben or should i just keep doing plenty of races and lots of hill work.
want to really give it my all

Daz I've done it twice now and this year will be my third. I'm convinced you need a good strength and endurance base. To that end I run Ben Ledi most weeks giving me a 2500' climb in 2.5 mile which should give me the leg strenghth as its just a bit steeper than the Ben. A weekly long run in the 15 - 20 mile mark should give me the endurance. I'm looking to get my best time of 2:22 down to < 2hrs

[mapper]

i really would like to know if theres any specific trainin i can do for the ben or should i just keep doing plenty of races and lots of hill work.
want to really give it my all

About 5 pints of Ben Race ale in the Grog & Gruel, Fort William on the Friday night should do it!

It's worked a few sub 2 hours in the race for me!

[Marvin]

My conclusion from running the race for the first time last year was that I need more long steep hill work, especially the coming down. In the first half of the descent, once you leave the plateau, it's steep and goes on for such a long time - there's no respite. I haven't experienced the effect on my legs in any of the races in the Peak District because the hills just aren't high enough. Then once you're back onto the tourist path, the legs don't work, and the last undulating mile on tarmac is a killer. But I loved it.

Daz, seeing your form on recent races, you'll do it in under 2 hours, but how much under?