RACE REPORT
2022 Beast of Llangattock
20 & 10 miles and 10KM
Saturday 13th August
Our third Llangattock Beast, but a new location for HQ. Still in the village of Llangattock, but in a gorgeous open field near the church, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains - a perfect backdrop to start the trails.
The field owner (delighted to say, a vet in the running world) kick-started the day’s smiles when he dropped off a farm buggy for the collection of much-needed extra water throughout the day - much fun was to be had driving this and everyone seemed to want a go! 😊
During set-up week, we knew this event would present many challenges with the expected heat wave. Risk assessments, and many conversations with our medics and staff, left us well prepared to make sure that everyone would be kept hydrated and safe whilst up on the hill.
We sent out several updates to our runners in the week leading up to the race, making sure everyone was well-informed about our adapted protocols, given the extreme heat.
We had to cancel the canicross section which was sad but 100% the best call of the day. Our four-legged little runners would have gone for it but at far too much risk. At least we can say enough and call it! We have many other events that they can come and have fun on.
Mandatory Kit was dropped to within basic requirements (no waterproofs needed for sure!) to allow space for extra fluids. Sun block & hat essential.
A “No Fire Pit or BBQ” statement went out during the build-up, which you all adhered to. We thank you for this. And for taking your litter home, plus none was found on race route – awesome job guys!
Full respect to our staff who endured hours of setting up equipment, chopping down ferns on the hills, and trying to locate any soft ground to stake the arrow route markers. Exhausting in that heat, but they managed to achieve a well-marked route ensuring that no-one got lost. We used nearly the same number of flags that we do on a 20-mile loop!
Two well-stocked Check Points, and HQ, were filled with extra watermelon, pineapple, oranges, potatoes, bananas and cherry tomatoes, as well as gallons of fizzy drinks and other fluids – we even made a few extra trips to local shops during the day to ensure there was no limit to what you received on the day or at the finish. Rehydration was key! Huge thanks to all our amazing CP team – great job.
Back-runners were exceptional on the weekend. Without these legends no one would feel as safe and supported out on the trails as you all do. Huge respect to Ceri, Bob, Teej, Ash, Jeremy, Georgi & Sam.
Local support was immense, from running clubs to the local caving community. Local pubs & restaurants too. The community supporting on route, offering shelter and assistance if needed, made the vibe in the village feel like a festival.
Taff’s bells at the start and finish are now legendary at our events. However, many would say that the best part of the finish was a swim in the close-to-HQ River Usk…. what a way to cool off!
Anyone who has run with us before has experienced our manager Stu (@stu_likes_to_run) wearing his kilt! This year though, and thanks to the team at “Be Your Happy Place” running kit specialists (@beyourhappyplace), he changed into a tartan skort, raising many eyebrows, but at least with shorts underneath we knew he actually was covered up…phew!
To help this amazing guy’s new venture, check out Stu’s coaching company - f: Obree Coaching - Mention us if you do.
Our super physio Danni was incredible as always, offering a much-needed post-race sports massage.
Emma from Moon & Back Coffee (https://en-gb.facebook.com/moonandbackcoffee/) kept everyone perky with her delicious coffee, and her pink iced lemonade went down a treat.
Thanks to Ian & Fran from We Are Timing Ltd, who track all our runners, allow us to know where everyone is on the course for safety and any communication with our medics, and who notify each runner of their time and race position by email almost immediately after they finish! Exceptional! 😊
Photos - once again our amazing Andy Gale & Kayla–Louise (both on Instagram - @andygalephotography, @kayla_louise_photography) were out capturing your achievement. These are free to download and can be found on the website along with your results (Results & Photos)
A new search function using a Selfie means you can find your photos instantly!
Back to the race. We saw inspiring runners battle the severe heat. You were all just amazing, crossing the finish smiling, and a few with tears of joy as the achievement sank in.
We had elite runner Damian Hall (@ultra_damo) ….
(typical view anyone gets of Damian!)
…to first-time trail runners…
We were astonished at so many of you turning up to run as we expected a 50% drop out. Well done everyone. We allowed some under 18’s to try the 10k with parental support – we have some budding trail runners, some of whom will now be coached by Stu. They all loved it!
Anyone on the 10mile event route would have been amazed to witness our local runner Max Hobbs who endured the whole route bare foot running – what a legend.
Max claims it was the hardest thing he has ever done – hats off to him on that tough route! Look out for his blog and videos coming soon.
Our awesome medics were once again incredible with their support on the day. Given the conditions, they were as amazed as we were of your strength and determination. Happy days.
Here are the top 3 winners and times:
20 miles
Male
Damian Hall 3.04.52
Kieran Dawkins 3.24.04
Sam Ellis 3.25.21
Female
Carlie Burns 4.38.24
Tash Clark 4.42.53
Bea Griffiths 4.44.41
10 miles
Male
Freddie Sankey 1.33.20
John Hewson 1.46.53
Gary James 1.48.08
Female
Georgia Wood 1.33.42
Alex Evans 1.43.57
Catherine Whitehill 1.49.30
10 km
Male
Alan Jordon 1.10.10
Paul Bird 1.18.22
Michael Graz 1.23.16
Female
Heather Graz 1.15.32
Valentine Graveleau 1.36.31
Frances Williams 1.41.03
Big shout out to our team members Nick Haley, Steve Cooke & Will Rees. They laid/removed the route with me, and all competed and smashed it. Without their help it just wouldn’t happen.
To our mad but lovely Juli & Mother – the HQ refreshment ladies – nothing was too much for them and they were kept very busy with rehydration and carb replenishment for all returning runners.
To Paul Smith who ran the 10-mile route to have an extra pair of eyes out there, and who then supported you all at HQ until the end (wearing my floppy hat).
And to all the remaining staff, bell ringers of all ages, support team – Job well done.
We loved this event. We hope to see you all again one day on the trails. We are seeing so many returning faces that the LT family continues to grow, and we thank you all for your continued support. Any feedback good or bad please let us know. Our aim is always to provide a well-rounded event, ensuring that you have a fabulous time under our umbrella.
Have a great summer guys 😊
Elle & the Team