Rockingham 10

Rockingham 10
By Tedlet


So this is a circuit in the UK that you only get access to as a runner once a year! -The Rockingham Motor Speedway Circuit.

Obviously I recognise that this event is primarily aimed at those of us at the shorter distance end of the running spectrum, but having run it for the first time this weekend I thought I'd give it a mention.

This was only my second 10k race (I'd enjoyed my first one a few weeks prior to this and very quickly then looked for a follow up that I thought would be ok to run barefoot).

The Rockingham racing circuit is apparently known for being a fast course (both for cars & runners I believe). Like most racing venues it occupies a vast expanse of land which means two things: firstly there's not too much lengthy undulation going on (although there are a couple of small inclines to deal with); and secondly it can get very cold & windy.

The race organisers take over the pit lane garages for the day & use them as the race village (registration & catering, etc...). This works extremely well as the available shelter from a biting November wind is certainly welcome amongst the runners.

There are three organised events: 5k, 10k & 10 miles. I ran the 10k &, and as far as I could see, I was the only barefooter (my partner ran with me in VFFs. This is the only pic I could find with at least part of each of us in it together (well at least you can see a foot each!...;))

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The events were generally well organised with plenty of volunteers and marshalls on hand throughout the day.

The track itself doesn't feel at all overcrowded as, being a racing circuit, it has plenty of width -so you don't feel boxed in or blocked at any point.

The race follows the full course (2 laps for the 10k) using the pit lane at the end of each lap. The surface is consequently about 95% smooth tarmac and 5% smooth concrete in the pit area -i.e. extremely barefoot friendly. If you're looking for a first race at 5k or 10k distance to do barefoot this could well be the one for you!

Over all good organisation, barefoot friendly & the bling wasn't too bad either...

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This is a link to the race site this year http://www.sbrevents.co.uk/events/rockingham10-2017
 
Oh! I see a foot!

I mirrored your report to the home page. Thanks for sharing!
 
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Really nice!
The Paul Ricard Circuit (close to where I live) organizes a similar event, although I think the race distance is only 5 km. I've considered running it a couple of times but always thought the track surface would be too rough to be barefoot-friendly. (It's supposed to provide a lot of grip to slick tires, so I supposed it wouldn't be smooth).
Now, having read your report I think I'll run it next summer :)
 
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Really nice!
The Paul Ricard Circuit (close to where I live) organizes a similar event, although I think the race distance is only 5 km. I've considered running it a couple of times but always thought the track surface would be too rough to be barefoot-friendly. (It's supposed to provide a lot of grip to slick tires, so I supposed it wouldn't be smooth).
Now, having read your report I think I'll run it next summer :)
Sounds like a good call Lambda!
If the organisation's similar to the Rockingham circuit then I reckon you'll have a really enjoyable run. -I'll be interested to hear how it goes...:)
 
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Sounds like a good call Lambda!
If the organisation's similar to the Rockingham circuit then I reckon you'll have a really enjoyable run. -I'll be interested to hear how it goes...:)
Here I go! I've registered for the penultimate session of this year, next Monday.
We're supposed to use the 5.8 km F1 track, and I hope that the chicane in Mistral straight will not slow me down too much :hilarious:.
Stay tuned for some feedback next week.
 
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Here I go! I've registered for the penultimate session of this year, next Monday.
We're supposed to use the 5.8 km F1 track, and I hope that the chicane in Mistral straight will not slow me down too much :hilarious:.
Stay tuned for some feedback next week.
Good luck Lambda.. Run well. -looking forward to hearing how it compares...
 
So, my first experience running barefoot on a race track was... awesome!
The tarmac is really much smoother than the average road tarmac. Even the red-painted strips, which provide more grip so as to slow down cars going off track, is really soft to the sole.

The event is not a competition. The track is simply open to runners for a 3-hour time frame in the evening, and you are free to run as many laps as you want. There is no timing, no finish line. Many people run only one lap, others run until the sun has set. Some keep running in the dark but you need your own light source because the back end of the track is pitch black.

Very conveniently, the event is named 'the Sunset Run'.

sunset_run.jpg


I was so enthusiast that I started way too fast, and after a first full lap of 5.8 km I decided that my second lap would be on the smaller course of 3.8 km. (see the activity log on Strava for those who have an account there)
And then I stopped because I had no light with me.

Good thing is it's a monthly event from March to October, so I'm already planning to go there again next month for the last session of the year, and I'll have a light with me so I can (maybe) run to the full extent
of the 3-hour frame.

Oh, and that's a bit overcautious to signal turns 200 meters in advance, nobody's running that fast.