Run Specials

What are they? Essentially it is a chance for the instructors to present you with a run that fulfills all of their wildly sadistic dreams, usually wet and muddy. It is a monthly chance to run in some of the best locations that we can find, away from your usual BMF park. It provides an ideal opportunity to stretch those legs on a longish route. More importantly though, most Run Specials just happen to share their finish line with some of the finest drinking establishments in the South!

Will it be too hard for me? Most runs will have a couple of distance options, just check the event details. I'm sure the lure of a sunday roast at the end will be more than enough to get you round!

And best of all it's free for BMF members, friends and family so you really have no excuse!

Rodmell River Romp

July’s Brighton BMF Run Special saw 19 intrepid participants take part in the ‘Rodmell River Romp’. The day was blessed with good weather (if not a little hot) and because the run was flat provided the opportunity to put in some fast times. The route, thought out in length by the Instructors, had to be changed last minute due to a herd of cows who obviously thought the grass was greener on the river bank. The decision was made not to use these organic features as hurdles, but instead to go up river and take in more of what the ‘Ouse’ had to offer. This great day was finished with a few drinks and some food at the Abergavenny Arms

The Studland Stomp

          

WHEN: Sunday 18th July 2010 at 1100

WHERE: Bankes Arms, Studland (BMF Bournemouth & Poole)

The Canal Canter

WHEN: Sunday 27 June 2010 at 1100

WHERE: Frimley Lodge Park (BMF Camberley & Guildford)

         The Revenge of the Roller Coaster Run

About 30 BMF'ers, family and friends returned to the Seven Sisters to once again take on the challenge of Sussex's favourite sisters as the BMF Brighton Run Specials returned following a marathon break. The weather was redders, the views spectacular. The runners were led home by Seb from BMF TW and once again plenty managed to take all Sisters. Big chuck up to the London Girls who travelled down and also to Sonia, who decided to "do" one Sister but then did them all anyway!

COLD TURKEY TROT

Craig took charge of the most recent Run Special travelling to Wilmington, to visit the Long Man himself. 16 BMF'ers, family, friends and James (the Staffy) took part in the inclined running experience that the majority described as ''emotional''. The weather, tho windy, was again organised by Keith to be clear so the panoramic views of the South Downs could be enjoyed by all. A great effort by everyone involved for completing either 2 laps (6 km) or 3 laps (7.5 km) with special mention going to both Darren and James (the recruit) who completed the 10.5 km route, including 6 climbs of what can only be described as ''the little cheeky hill''. The whole afternoon finished with the majority enjoying a few wets in the local drinking establishment, with a few tucking into the locally inspired lunch menu.

LITLINGTON LUNATICS LOOP

featuring The Litlington Lollop

Once again "Sunshine" Keith, although absent, kindly provided a dry yet windy day for The Litlington Lunatic Loop run. Despite the recent weather 20 BMF'ers, friends, families and dogs took to the windy muddy paths of the South Downs and Cuckmere River for a running adventure. Some interesting new alternative routes were created, including the "Al-friston Hangout", proving that its always wise to listen to the pre run brief! A few crazy people took on the Lunatics Loop enjoying a wind assisted river run followed by much cursing of Dave on the Cheeky Steps whilst the sane members having completed the Lollop enjoyed hoofin scran and wets back in the pub.

ROTTINGDEAN RUMBLE

Keith was away oop North but he arranged a beautiful (if a little windy) day for the latest Run Special. The numerous options meant Dave's brief actually lasted 63 minutes but once he'd shut up 27 members and friends scattered themselves over the cliffs and paths of Rottingdean. Big chuck ups to Debs "Mad for it" Morris (completing Sunday BMF session then riding to and from the Run Special, oh and running too!) and also honorable mentions for Krazy Karen who had to run ten miles, no matter what! Observation awards to the majority of runners who didn't find the water that Dave kindly carried miles to ensure their comfort and hydration!

DYKE DEJA VU

The run specials returned with a cheeky little number, 25 members, families and friends took on the challenge of Devil's Dyke including the long haul up "endless incline" and smashing the "stairway to heaven". Massive chuck up to Jo who ran up "endless incline" a second time just because she enjoyed the downhill section that followed. A massively enjoyable run with an unfortunate ending when the pub decided to stop serving food! Stories of running were then exaggerated over drinks and savoury snacks.

RUN SPECIAL "TEN"

The Blackcap Blowout!

The weather was officially reported to be "Harry von turbo red pigs" but that didn't stop 25 BMF'ers, family & friends from enjoying Run Special 10 (Blackcap Blowout). A wide range of distances were covered including a number of people completing the "Blowout" (10 miles). Probably the first Run Special where nobody got lost apart from Instructor Dan who decided to take the van (and water) shopping at Asda! Special congratulations to John on completing his first ten miles and having to put up with Dave's bullying for the last five miles! Excellent scran, drinks and outrageous stories were then enjoyed back at the pub.

The Devil's Revenge II

An outrageously hot day seemed to deter many members from taking on the cheeky challenging route.  Those who resisted the lure of the beach and BBQs were treated to the delights of "Stairway to Heaven", "The Devil's Deadly Dark Descent" and "Endless Incline" before returning to the pub for well earned refreshing beverages and scran.

The Return of the Roller Coaster Run

A fantastically sunny day greeted over 45 BMF'ers, family and friends as we returned to the friendliest Sisters in Sussex for the Return to the Rollercoaster run special.  Members ran, walked or sunbathed up to 10.6km of an outstandingly beautiful coastal course.  Darren "Frankie" Vaughan was first back smashing his old course record with a time of 56mins36secs, Voula "I wish I was a Brighton BMF'er" Karavias was first lady home.  Biggest achievement of the day goes to all the members who managed to do all seven of the sisters, twice! Hoofin! Check out the photos in the album on BMF Brighton Facebook page.

The Awful Offham

     

Hills, Mud, Sweat & Beers - The Perfect Sunday?

Yet again Keith the "Weatherman" worked his magic and created a sunny day for the Awful Offham, 25 members initially scrambled up a climb (described by a retired mountain goat as "cheeky") out of the chalk pit up onto the beautiful Downs. Sunshine, smiles and views were enjoyed by all who battled against the wind to reach the summit of Blackcap. Two options were available for the return although the usual suspects created additional options!

The Stanmer Stagger

Once again Keith pulled a sunny day out the bag whilst still supplying enough mud to keep Dave moderately happy and providing an excellent course with numerous options much to the enjoyment of the 30 or so BMF'ers.  Tom and Clare ran, rode and ran some more completing "The Challenge" and experiencing "Stanmer Stagger" legs.

Wolstonbury Wobble

A sunny January Sunday greeted just shy of 40 BMF'ers (including 4 members from Hampstead Heath) and friends to the beautiful location of Wolstonbury Hill near Clayton, however the Instructors had been round the course earlier ensuring that bucket loads of mud were available for all runners.  Much muddy fun was had by everyone followed by scran and fine ale.

Pooh Bear's Forest Fun & Frolics

Sunday 7th December 2008 saw 38 BMF'ers and friends venture onto the harsh terrain of Ashdown Forest.  Three different routes were offered but due to navigational difficulties numerous new routes were created.  Eventually all members returned tired and happy with outrageous dits to spin of offroad adventure over outstanding scran at the Crow and Gate pub.