On a crisp, clear December morning, four GoodGym members braved the cold for the 2019 Sphinx AC Coombe 8. Bobble hats, base layers and blue tape were the order of the day!

As 10 o’clock drew near we shed our layers and gathered on the start line ready for the off. First came a 1.5 mile loop on the lower field where the conditions quickly became boggy and challenging. We then headed up past the Abbey on firm paths, which were a great relief for the legs, before a 3 mile loop through the woods with slippery leaves, tree roots and the infamous river crossing. It was then back to the lower field for a long, 3.5 mile loop through mud, deep grassy puddles and several bomb craters.

Once across the finishing line we were treated to a well deserved cup of chunky vegetable soup, bringing much needed warmth back to our tired, wet, muddy bodies. All in all a gruelling but thoroughly enjoyable race!

The results were as follows:

• Andrew Marsh - 01:03:15
• Liz Pharoah - 01:19:56
• Allan Mansfield - 01:37:24
• Debora Stewart - 01:37:24