FKT: Sam Moppett - Stroud Five Valleys (United Kingdom) - 2022-09-25

Athletes
Route variation
Loop
Multi-sport
No
Gender category
Male
Style
Unsupported
Start date
Finish date
Total time
2h 41m 54s
GPS track(s)
Report

Firstly, well done David Coull for adding this loop round Stroud!

I did this a couple of months back but had activity recording issues so couldn't submit the attempt. Same thing with a previous attempt at the Wysis Way! Happy to beat my last time by 4 minutes this morning though. 

I set off at 5am from the canal bridge at Ryeford which marks the intersection of the Cotswold Way and the Thames Severn Path, the same place as Rebecca by the looks of things. I agree that the route is actually around 20 miles. It was a solo run and I carried all my water and nutrition which consisted of dates, sweets and malt loaf. Still ended up carrying too much, but good for race practice! 

It was a clear, crisp, dry morning run mostly in darkness but giving way to a fantastic sunrise coming onto Besbury Common and over Minchinhampton Common. 

I just about had the legs to keep a good pace along the remaining flat stretch from Nailsworth. Would be good to add Selsley common joining the Cotswold Way at the end of the route to add interest and some extra elevation.

Had a great morning and all went to plan. Fingers crossed I've recorded it correctly this time and that someone else runs a faster loop soon!