13 Feb Love local: Why I want to create a Dirt Run Series for Northants
I’ve been lucky enough to run all around the world, across the desert, in jungle, through Kenya and in South America.
In Morocco, I ran in the Sahara, completing the Marathon des Sables, also known as the ‘toughest footrace on the planet’.
These races, and experiences, have left an indelible trace on me and given me memories for life.
But, however amazing taking part in such challenges is, I often think the satisfaction levels I find in putting on events at Go Beyond are even higher.
And the races which really get me most excited are those which take place in our ‘own backyard,’ helping to boost the Northamptonshire economy and make the county a more attractive place.
Of course, the flagship Amazing Northampton Run is chief among those events, bringing thousands of runners and supporters into the town centre each year. Meanwhile, our Shires & Spires and Rose of the Shires ultra marathons are always popular, showing off the county’s countryside in all its glory.
But there is also something a little bit magical about those hyperlocal races we put on, taking advantage of the beauty of a park or village. Add some trails in and those who know me will tell you what a happy man I’ll be.
That’s why I’ve always had a soft spot for the Irchester Dirt Run. It’s a race that’s been going since at least 2005 – based on the information I could find online – meaning this year’s recent race makes it at least 20 years old.
It was originally called the Wellingborough Multi-Terrain before being rebranded as the Dirt Run. Often held for three rounds in January, February and sometimes March depending on how the calendar fell, it has always been a popular event.
I resurrected it in 2019 as a two round event, and this year is the first time it has been on tour with the Brigstock Dirt Run set to take place on Sunday, February 23 – there are still places available!
What I’ve always loved about the Dirt Run is that it is a fun event at heart. You can’t take yourself too seriously when wading through all the mud that the course so regularly attracts.
It is also a real challenge, with plenty of inclines, but without the all-day, mile upon mile levels of an ultra. Yes, it’s going to hurt, but with the variety of distances available, most runners will be able to do it.
And, as I mentioned earlier, it’s local. Irchester Dirt Run screams Northamptonshire. It’s everything that is good about this county, and because of that it’s very much ‘ours’.
That’s why I’m really keen to expand this format and create a Dirt Run Series. Brigstock is the first step in this process, but I’d like to have four, five, six Dirt Runs spread across the county.
I’ve already got my eye on a third venue in Daventry and I really want to expand this as part of our drive at Go Beyond to get more people interested in both running and Northamptonshire.
Along the way, I’ll need your support. If you love these events as much as I do, let’s do this together and get this show OFF the road and onto the trails.
After all, you don’t need a desert in Morocco to have a great race.