The Butser Hill Challenge was the first I attended as a member of RAYNET in 2016. I’d wanted to go up the hill from the first time I’d seen it. Covering this event with RAYNET means that for the last four years, I’ve spent a couple of hours pretty much at the top of the hill. A real pleasure.
The point where the picture is taken, is “my point”. Who ever plans the positioning of RAYNET volunteers tends to keep you where you are, so most years, I know exactly where I am going to be. I am definitely not complaining. I watched a sparrow hawk taking a rest in a tree, and was able to watch a car carrier passing along the Solent on its way in to Southampton. Several groups of people (not runners) passed by, exchanging pleasantries, sometimes they ask what’s happening, or what you are doing.
This morning it was raining. Not heavily, but enough that to have to stand in it for two or three hours would be uncomfortable. Luckily, I was able to position the car so that I could watch the runners come over the brow of the hill, using the Bino’s I was able to get their numbers early, and note the time they pass and pass the numbers to control (the first three male and female runners and the tailender only). The rest of the time I’m there in case anyone has a problem, only to call for assistance though, not to render help – we aren’t insured for that.
Next week, I have a day on the New Forest Marathon, being run at Wimborne St Giles – we did it there last year. It was fine. I’m doing something different this year; the route bus. Should be interesting.
Bills Posts 