31st-1st November, 2020
Last weekend Exmouth Harrier Lisa Hatchard ran in the Gloucester Invitational 24 track race, a historical event where in 1982 the World record was set at 170 miles (274km) and still stands as the British record by Dave Dowdle.
It’s a simple race, run around a 400m track continuously for 24 hours, whilst there is no finish line each athlete has their own target, the majority are after the coveted 100 miles and the belt buckle that is traditionally awarded for completing distances over 100 miles in the ultra-running world. To reduce monotony and to save legs, there is a change in direction every six hours. All facilities are track side, one table per three competitors to place food and kit, space for a tent and one crew member each due to COVID. Lisa’s crew were in lockdown in Wales, but kindness and support was plentiful.
Lisa completed pb’s in 50 mile, 100k and ultimately 100 miles in 23.30:34, finally finishing 407 laps 101.16 miles (162.00km) in 23:57:40 hours. Finishing 13/39 and fourth female. A huge achievement - well done Lisa!
