New Podsmead track perfect venue for 24 hour endurance race
RUNNING round a track for 24 hours continuously is many people's idea of hell. But ultra-distance runners in Gloucester can think of no better way to spend a weekend.
It is just over 30 years since Dave Dowdle, from Longlevens, broke the world record for running 170 miles around Gloucester athletic track in just a day. The feat is still a UK record and Dave went on to hold the 48-hour record for the most miles covered in that time.
To mark the new Blackbridge Athletics Track opening this year and the 30th anniversary of Dave's achievement, ultra runners from Gloucester Athletic Club want to hold a 24-hour race at the revamped Podsmead facility.
Runner Pam Storey is a life member of the club and a keen ultra athlete who once ran 98 miles around an oval track in Hull.
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Pam joined GAC in 1985 and is a lifetime member. She hopes to organise the event either this summer or next.
"Ultra runners are a rare breed but Dave's achievement was special and the 30th anniversary should be celebrated," she said. "We would expect to attract 30 runners to take part so we would need sponsors to help pay for an electric timing tag system. This kind of distance running is knackering. I once ran for 24 hours around a 300m track in Denmark, it was brilliant."
Blackbridge track director and GAC coach Richard Blackwell said a 24-hour ultra running event would attract plenty of attention.
"I remember Dave's effort back in 1982 and it was some achievement," he said. "Gloucester has a fine history of ultra distance runners. There were a few 24-hour races in Gloucester in the 80s, as well as a 100-mile road race and a 48-hour track race. We don't want to upset the Podsmead residents by keeping the floodlights on for 24 hours but it would be great if we could make it happen.
"An event like this would attract plenty of attention and we will do everything we can to make it happen."
Comments
by Glosforever
Monday, February 25 2013, 9:52AM
“"This kind of distance running is knackering. I once ran for 24 hours around a 300m track in Denmark, it was brilliant."
Really !!”