Rebecca Kipping completed the New Forest Stinger on the November 4TH 2018 and sent in this race report. Well done Becky
The New Forest Stinger is a scenic trail run through the new forest, held by Totton Running Club. There are 2 race options, 5 mile and 10 mile. And was a very reasonable £14. I completed the 10 mile and can honestly say it was one of the best races I have ever done! And certainly the best 10 miler.
Firstly the course is set in the beautiful and scenic new forest, no tarmac in site! The terrain was mixed, including footpaths, grassland, cycle tracks and a mini ford (!) Definitely a bit more rustic than the larger new forest runs I have done. I would recommend trail shoes, though saying that I ran in my road trainers and didn’t have a problem. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a flat run!! There are a few challenging hills, not to mention the final kilometre which is uphill all the way. However, after a few training runs up Adur avenue or highdown and you will breeze up them.
Secondly, the race was so well organised. Hats off to Totton Running Club, they obviously planned it well despite the weather. There were lots of well placed Marshals so there was no chance of running off route and water stops were at the right places. The rain stopped me hanging around for long at the end but there was a coffee and jacket potato van and merchandise stall at the end as well as plenty of parking.
Finally the bling! It was awesome! It come in a little goodie bag with some sweets and flyers for local services.
Would I do this run again? Definitely. 10/10. I spoke to the organisers after, who said this was the first year they sold out, with no on the day entries and expect to do again in 2019.
