Forceleap Farm Cross Country Report by Toby Goss
On a reasonably cool, dry morning, a very impressive number of Eynsham Road
Runners made their way to a brand new location for the league – Forceleap Farm,
between Banbury and Brackley.
After a leg-stretching walk from the car park to race HQ, we found a very pleasant (but not flat) spot, with a food and hot drinks van, no less! I think the general consensus was that the 2-lap course was not overly
challenging by cross country standards, but still providing plenty of variety. There were a few reasonable hills and changes in terrain (but never too difficult), and one decently large puddle that produced the suitable amount of mud and moisture that one expects from cross country races. I had the impression that some runners who are generally more inclined to push themselves to, or close to, their limit found they were able to get up quite a speed at times on the course. There was good support
and camaraderie along the course, especially from our marshal (thanks, Jacky).
I was pleased with the price and quality of the egg and sausage roll I purchased from
the food van after the race, although the fact they ran out of bacon quite early on in
the morning (!) certainly did not go unnoticed. For a first time at that location, and
knowing the unique challenges that face cross country races (as opposed to road
races), I thought the organisation, marshalling and car parking arrangements were
largely good, other than one incident I have since been made aware of which
hopefully didn’t impact the runner’s finishing position! I enjoyed my experience, and
would be happy to return next year.
