2007 Cambridge Boundary Run

By James Gill

Snippets from Boundary Run history, like the tight 1980's T-shirts appearing at the Summer BBQ, commemoratory bugs, entrants from years gone by flying in to compete and even volunteering to help mark the course... all of these things made me realise there was something a bit different, something a bit special, about this event and its competitors. Sunday 5th March bore testimony to that.

Running is arguably the purest of sports so what could be simpler than running around Cambridge? In theory little, in practice that's a different matter - 25.6 miles of multi terrain, mud, a biting wind, and brambles to be overcome and navigated round!

With a few slight tweaks to the course from the previous year's route (master-minded by Alex Ho), the course revisited some of the finest countryside Cambridgeshire has to offer: Wandlebury, Nine Wells, Grantchester, Madingley, Girton College, sections of Roman Road, Baits Bite and the River Cam. For those who valued the use of their legs in the following days, there was also a half marathon option, finishing at Coton village green, where a bus awaited to return runners to the start. Sweatshop Cambridge had generously offered to provide race support for this fixture (in addition to the Chris Brasher College League.) Not only did they help in the planning of the event and the printing of race numbers, they also allowed us to be based in their swanky Next Generation Fitness Club, just off Coldhams Lane. Changing rooms of unprecedented luxury to cross-country runners, parking, baggage storage and refreshments were just a few of the many advantages of this location. The support of Sweatshop and Next Generation Fitness Club was a huge boost to the Boundary Run and increased everyone's enjoyment of the day. A huge thanks to them for supporting this unique running event, in particular Andy Noyce, instrumental in the race even taking place. The pre-race atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as 'Hareys' past and present, locals and runners from clubs across the South of England all gathered on the start line. This year we found a starter whose acquaintance with the Boundary Run even pre-dated Yogi's. The first time and last time Philip Selby ran in the event was in 1960 and he had flown all the way from Geneva to run. Unfortunately he had suffered a hamstring injury so was unable to take part. Yogi however was to be found on the start line raring to go. With a "take your marks" and a high pitch whistle, the 160 runners were on their way. A number of them would have put sprinters to shame with their starts.

The atmosphere was jovial as the pack trotted through the streets to Fulbourn. Crossing the ploughed field towards Limpit Hill was a little taster of the soft ground and mud to come. Jakob Nilsson took the race by the horns, it soon became apparent he wasn't after a comedy start but had serious intentions to tear the field apart, setting a firm pace from the outset. The field strung out behind Nilsson, Diarmuid O'Seaghdha and Simon Rutherford lead the chase pack. The pace gradually climbed as did the runners over the hill besides Wandlebury and down to Claire Nance and Lee Harper at first water station.

One by one runners dropped out of the chase pack as Si and Diarmuid pursued Nilson through Nine Wells, and Trumpinton onto Grantchester, where Hannah Brice, Laura Spence, John Redshaw and Savrina Carrizo had set up the second water stop. With Nilsson in sight, Diarmuid kicked through Grantchester meadows to close the gap and take the lead. Si, having given everything to cling on, could not follow Diarmuid. The clayey fields of Laundry Farm zapped energy from already tired legs making the bridge over the M11 seem like a travalator. Nillson however remained strong in the close and hung on to take second place in the half. Si took third, and Paul Davis despite running the Full Boundary also had a brilliant half Marathon. James Gill was unable to hold on to Paul through Nine Wells but was pleased to finish fifth. Richard Mathie and Aidan Brown tussling since Trumpington and came in 6th and 7th respectively. The Jesus pair, Chris Morris and Liam Richardson were not far behind. This result for Liam, one of a string of improving performances advocates the value of consistent hard training. James Chettle headed Mark Sankey and Oliver Jardine in a close finish of the ½ Boundary Run. Aron Varga showed strong stamina to do respectable times on a tough course. Yogi crossed the finish line sounding quite disgusted with himself for not continuing on to the second half. We however think he did outstandingly well! Emily Boldy, Cecily Barber and Hannah Cooke were the first, second and third women to complete the ½ respectively. Hannah Cooke's race was not over though she along with 44 others battled on.

Full boundary runners required an extra dose of determination as they had to refuel alongside finishers of the half who were content with their efforts, laughing and joking. What did lay in store for Full Boundary Runners in the second half of the race? - a lonely 13 miles of potentially even harder terrain with even more mud and a stronger head wind. Only the brave continued. Diarmuid, not content with victory in the Half sped North, through the fields of Madingley and Girton to the fourth water stop manned by Thomas Williams, Lindsey, Matt White and Benedetta Marinucci. Runners became increasingly dependant on the feed stations as there own energy reserves ran low. A wrong turn by Diarmuid and two extra miles on the Histon Road gave Cam n Col's Giacomo Capetti the lead. Capetti, having proven his metal last in 2006 by placing 4th was a serious threat. His pacing this year was metronomic, splitting 1.29.00 and 1.31.00. Diarmuid fought hard to regain his lead and eventually arrived back at Sweatshop as overall winner. Paul Davis impressed all, with a very fast first half and an enviable gift for finding grip in the mud.

By the time runners reached the fifth water stop they were in serious need of a lift, thankfully, Lee and Claire were there once again to meet all the runners needs. Notable performances and displays of grit were in abundance. Simon Gilbert paced himself well and came home strongly, as did Mark Stanley. Tim Taylor, Ulrich Paquet, Joseph Stevick worked well together. Tim was incredibly the only 'Hare and Hound' to complete his second Boundary Run in 2 years. Tim Cushaw put in a tremendous effort following not much training to bring the 'H&H's home.

For those that did not continue on to the second half, Helen Mort's account gives a fantastic insight into the gruelling experience:

"In the last few miles, the weather deteriorated, I hadn't seen another runner for nearly an hour and I was in a part of Cambridge I'd never seen before (despite the comfort of the map). My vision was going a bit blurry and I ended up shouting and swearing at myself to keep going! At one point, I convinced myself that a friend had just driven past me in her car and she'd been sent to take me home! I've never wanted to stop so badly. I never even got close to that state of exhaustion in London."

4 hours 42 minutes after the commencing of the run, 44 runners had completed the Full Boundary and a whopping 158 the half marathon. The forecast may have kept some away but it certainly did not dampen spirits. Those that did run were rewarded with a remarkable sense of achievement and special memories. All runners should be very proud, as this was no mean feat: the strong wind, tricky conditions underfoot and personal navigation made it probably more challenging than a road marathon.

The action did not end at the finish line. Runners enjoyed hot drinks, Mars bars, Snickers, and bananas upstairs in the gorgeous function room of Next Generation Clubs. Well earned T-shirts were donned proudly, displaying the Boundary Run crest and with the logo of KPMG, our kind sponsors on the back. Many queued eagerly for the massages provided by Lynn Peters and her team who worked tirelessly for hours to satisfy the demands of many needy legs. One runner clocked the course distance on his Garmin as being 25.68 miles, which demonstrates demonstrate the excellent estimation skills of Mark Coley.

Everyone declared they were thrilled to have taken part in such a unique race and how much they enjoyed it. According to Runner's World reviews:

"Incredible value - why doesn't everyone run this one?"

"Very well organised, great fun and great value. If you live in Cambridge there is no excuse not to run this one."

"Enormously fun and friendly - thank you to the organisers and sponsors!"

So, the legend of the Boundary Run has another chapter. With 81 entrants in 2006 and 160 this year, the field almost doubled. Not only is the Boundary Run back, its growing! I can't wait for next year.

We are indebted to our Sponsors, KPMG and Sweatshop, Next Generation Clubs, high5 and to the following people without who the run would not have happened: Mark Coley, Ali O'Connel and Andy Noyce. And of course many thanks to the other volunteers who all made huge efforts to ensure the smooth running of such a mammoth race: Claire Nance, Andy Bell, Lee Harper, Hannah Brice, Savrina Carrizo, John Redshaw, Laura Spence, Will George, Chris Watson, Thomas Williams, Matt White, Benedetta Marinucci, Jason Wong, Richard Lebon, Richard Mathie and amazing efforts of Tony Robinson (denied the Full Boundary Run on the day due to an injury, he plans to do the run solo in 2 weeks time . Good luck).

Thank you, and I hope to see you again next year.

James Gill

Last modified: Sunday April 27 2014 16:38:47