braids circuit (xc-ish)

 

22nd Nov.
Donald at PRC set up a virtual challenge to make an event we can all take part in while most other races are cancelled. Very much in the style of the Braids XC, it is a 5k or 10k option on the trails that go round the perimeter of the golf course at the Braids. Mary and I did a recce as there was a bit we were unsure about and I thought it would help those unfamiliar with the Braids to have some photos and guidance as to where the course goes.

The start is close to the same as the start point for the Braids XC. The only rules are to go anti-clockwise (unlike the XC) and make sure you do (1 lap) 5k on your gps, or (2 laps), 10k. And to follow the route below. Grippy shoes highly recommended although I believe the course has dried out a little since we ran it a week ago. It was really quite muddy in places.

You start on trails that run parallel to the main road, starting on narrow paths but quickly opening out into a broad grassy field. 

There is only 1 proper climb on this side and it is fairly short, up to the orange roofed building (clubhouse?) which marks the start of the tarmac section. Rather than hurry back to grass you turn right into Braid Hill Approach / Bramdean Rise / Braid Mount and out onto the main Braid Road.

downhill

emerge here onto main road, turn left in 50 yards

entrance used in 7 hills
My gps measured this point as 1.69miles from start.

At 1.77 miles take the right hand fork
(same as in 7 Hills)

climb up to trig point 

Although Donald chose anticlockwise almost randomly it is the best direction to be running here at speed. The steep section between the tarmac and trig point was really wet with mud and you wouldn't want to be hurtling down at race pace on such steep, slippy ground. Running up it is unpleasant but not dangerous. I'll probably avoid racing here at weekends just to avoid crowds. Although there are a few dogwalkers, runners and cyclists (and golfers) it is a reasonably quiet venue to run round.

highest point
near Buckstone Snab

keep to path heading towards left hand aerial
(not the same as 7 Hills)

go past aerial

That's the hard work done! The rest mostly gallops downhill on good ground on broad tracks. I put my gps off at pretty much exactly the spot I started and found it had measured 3.11 miles. Keep running till at least 3.1 miles or 5k so that everyone does 5k. Or do 2 laps if you prefer the 10k option. 

I remember back in the day the Braids XC used to be 1 lap for the ladies' event and 2 for the mens'. Although latterly it changed to 2 in both events. I always used to feel one lap would have been plenty. Thanks to Donald for setting this up and doing the results. Let him know your result through the PRC facebook group page. I think you have until 20th December inclusive.  

finish in sight

plenty mud

we started at the rhs triangle, and ran anti-clockwise