What is RunFestRun? The brainchild of presenter Chris Evans and Vassos Alexander the festival combines music and fitness in a three day camping festival in Wiltshire. The family-friendly summer festival took place on May 31 to June 2 in the stunning grounds of Bowood House and Gardens in Wiltshire and saw thousands take part. Chris Evans led the festivities and was joined by sporting heroes Paula Radcliffe, Colin Jackson, Steve Cram and Jo Pavey amongst others. With music, a fairground, beautiful surroundings and so many famous faces mingling with the crowds it really was a unique occasion. Boston Community Runners were there too represented by the Eggleton family. Sarah-Jane became reporter and runner for this exciting new weekend and here is her report.
Family Eggleton arrived Friday afternoon and pitched the tent and got settled in before heading off for the 5k ‘Sunset Shuffle’, the first running event of the weekend. We all took it steady, saving our legs for the next day. It was a friendly and relaxed run and didn't seem to take that long before everyone was finished and ready for the evenings entertainment. The bands were top class too - Reef and Razorlight. It was then time to get our heads down as tomorrow was the big day! ‘Serious Saturday’ kicked off early with the first of four runs - a trail half marathon. A cleverly designed 3 loop course ensured runners passed through the festival area three times keeping spectators entertained too. The weather was very hot and the hills were a plenty. SJ tackled the half and was no sooner across the finish before joining the rest of the family on the start line for the next 5k! After a break for lunch all four headed back out to tackle the 2.5k (which was actually a little over 3k) before taking on the 10k final event of the day. Saturday evenings entertainment was not disappointing, finishing with an energetic set from Olly Murs. Sunday saw everyone in their team T-shirt’s - butterflies, ladybirds, dragonflies and bees everywhere! A mass warm up before heading off in ‘bug waves’ around the 5k route again collecting ‘pollen’ and being entertained along the route by dancers, drummers and singers. Back at the festival site runners of all ages enjoyed the Big Bug Hoe Down before finally heading off home. Together over three days Family Eggleton clocked up a total of 133k; 49k for SJ and 28k each for Rich, Matthew and Abigail. It was an amazing experience and totally different to anything we’ve ever done before. The focus is most definitely on family and fun rather than serious timed running. We’ve had a fantastic time and hope it returns next year too.
