With one of our trio a previous holder of the FKT on this route (taking slightly longer route), we quietly backed ourselves to bring the FKT back home to the Clapham Chasers, needing approximately 5:10kms to get it done.
The route taken was borrowed directly from the previous record holder. We started at the bottom of Box Hill by the stepping stones and managed to take down the first climb without too many issues (other pausing to fix to a leaking water bladder).
Leith Hill and Holmbury were also tackled in high spirits - the team was aware that average speeds were slow (about 15s/km off target), but confident a downhill tailwind last 12 kilometers would come through for us. The route so far was direct, but was pleasant to run on trails and didn't include too much road running.
Once we summited Holmbury all that remained was that 12k dash for home. Although this started well, things looked like they might unravel in the last 6-8km, as the muich promised 'fast downhill' never seemed to materialise, instead we were presented with a mix of sharp climbs, technical descents and thin nettled paths. This caused the group started to split up as people tired.
On the road into Dorking when things looked very touch-and-go on breaking the record, a quick agreement was made to plough through to the finish every man for themselves, and cross it with as many under the previous record as possible.
Our first runner came into the car park with about 70s to spare. The second one came in with about with about 17s to spare. Our final runner crossed the line with 4s to spare, having overcome a slightly unfortunate battle with his stomach at the top of a very small hill with 2k to go. But that was immaterial, the team managed the FKT!
The route was short enough we never needed to restock water and had enough food in our packs to last a day.
Conditions were good for running, trails were quite quiet, good day out overall. Would recommend, even if not chasing the FKT.