FAT-FEET

Profile on Matthew Eales (Ocean Floor Race Entrant)

2012-01-25T01:31:00.000-08:00

Describe yourself, family, where you live, profession, hobbies
My name is Matthew Eales, I am 22 years old from Cardiff. Currently I am a barman at a hotel and an ardent supporter of Arsenal FC.

What is the Ocean Floor Race and what attracted you to enter?
The description ‘ultra-marathon’ tells you everything you need to know about this event. It is going to be a very stern test, both in having the discipline in training and during the race itself. I expect like many of the other competitors I’m looking to find out what I’m capable of in the harshest of circumstances. When your whole body is telling you to stop can you keep the presence of mind to keep on going. As much a test of will power than of physical ability. At least that is the test I am hoping to get from it. As well as a few nice holiday snaps for the collection!

Do you anticipate any problems?
Although I can train for the distance, the South Wales climate doesn’t quite replicate that of the Sahara so I anticipate that will be a shock to the system.

Are you raising money for a charity for this event?
No, not for this event.

How will you train?
By running/hiking and incrementally increasing the distance as the race draws closer to get used to greater distances. Then try and start doing it on back-to-back days. Hopefully I will be able to have some multi-day hikes with overnight camping but that will depend on work patterns.

What do family/friends think of you entering?
Vast majority were positive, a few concerns, a few simply 'why?'. A couple others I remember...‘Shouldn’t you do a marathon first’, ‘That’s pretty cool’, ‘Don’t ask me to join you’.

Do you have any ultra running experience?
No.

What would you say to someone who is physically able but reluctant?
What immediately springs to mind is the “Man in the Arena’ speech by Theodore Roosevelt, it always stirs me to action. It’s message that endeavour and daring, even if failure pursues, will always give a far richer experience than inactivity, holds true in just about every facet of life.

Do you need any special equipment to participate?
No.

Will you take anything non-compulsory but you think will aid you?
I will be carrying bandages, strapping etc as a precaution. I’m undecided on the iPod, although I don’t normally run with music, 96 hours is a long time to spend in just my own company!

Still taking entries... please request an entry form at www.oceanfloorrace.com

Offer - Any entrant who gets their experience of the Ocean Floor Race published in a national publication will receive a refund of £200 from their entrance fee. (£200 per full page of editorial.)

Leg Amputee Enters One Of Worlds Toughest Races

2011-11-30T04:38:00.001-08:00

The Ocean Floor Race is a non stop footrace of 160 miles through one of the most beautiful and unusual landscapes on earth.

With a time limit of 4 days to complete this ultra marathon event, entrants will be directed through the Egyptian Western desert and specifically the Egyptian White Desert to check-points every 15 miles where they will have access to water and their drop bags filled with food.

A race of this nature would attract (you would think) some of the most elite and naturally gifted athletes on the planet. Well a gentleman by the name of Colin Edwards (56) is changing preconceptions of what someone can achieve if they are positive and determined enough. Colin has entered The Ocean Floor Race which is due to take place at the end of May 2012. What is remarkable about this entry is that Colin has only one leg. So what is a 56 year old man with only one leg doing entering one of the toughest races on the planet. We caught up with Colin to ask him a few questions.

1a. So Colin, tell us a bit about yourself....
I live in Devon on the edge of Dartmoor with my partner Heidi, in a timber framed house I built my self, I have 2 children Tom 18 and Emily 21, Heidi has 2 children Hannah 13 and Elliot 9 the house can be quite busy sometimes! I am a farmer / contractor, hobbies, guess what, running! tag rugby swimming ( sea, any time of year ) panto, oh yes i do

1. Exactly what is The Ocean Floor Race and what attracted you to enter ?
Its a race of 160 miles through the White Desert in Egypt. I found the event on the Internet and was attracted by the amazing landscape. It sounded like a real adventure so thought I'd give it a go.

2. What even more remarkable about your entry is that you are an amputee, could you explain how this happened? I had a motor cycle accident at 18. Due to chronic problems down the years as a result of this I had an amputation in my 40's .

3. Do you anticipate any problems during the race related to your disability and how will you combat these problems? My stump does get sore and blisters if it is not conditioned. The only way to minimize this is to toughen it up with distance training

The socket that my stump sits in does create alot of sweat. I do use anti perspirant but this can cause problems as well. It will be a case of regular wiping of the socket which will be a pain but I'm sure it will be fine.

4. Are you or will you be raising money for a charity doing this event? If so how did you get involved with the charity and do you have a fundraising target and a place where people can sponsor you?I have raised money in the past for PORTER who aid mobility for amputees so may do the same again.

5. How will you train for this and will you need any specialist equipment to aid you in the event? distance training and more distance training, hopefully new C sprint with off road adaption. This is basically one of those hi tech prosthetic limbs that many sprinters in the Paralympics have.

6. What do your friends and family think to you entering the event? worried!

7. What would you say to someone who is fully able bodied who think that completing an event like this is near on impossible? think again, , every mile done is one mile less when I under took 630mile run its all about targets ...... after 100miles your a 1/6 of the way, after 200 your a 1/3 of the way, only anther 100 and your half way, and so on, easy peasy

8. We hear that you are having an operation this coming January. Could you go into more detail about the operation and how will this affect your participation / training for the event? my coastal run (S W coastal path minehead to Poole 630miles) caused a abscess and I've grown a bone spur which has to be removed, training will be broken and I will have to be very careful of scar tissue but hopefully it shouldn't affect my participation

9. Do you need any special equipment to aid your participation in the race? prosthetic limb

The race is organized by a UK company called Fat Feet (www.fat-feet.co.uk ) and has been designed to give runners an experience of a non stop ultra marathon in a truly inspiring location.

Before the race begins, entrants will fill personal drop bags with their own personal supplies that they will need at the various check points during the race. This drop bag could contain for example; 1 freeze dried meal / boil in the bag meal, 2 energy bars (non melting), pack of nuts, pack of raisins, some boiled sweets, spare batteries for gps and head torch.

Once the race begins runners will be guided by their gps units to a check point situated 15 miles away. Once in this tented checkpoint competitors have access to hot/cold water, tea, coffee and their pre-packed drop bag. The competitor has the option (depending on ability) to either rest at the check point or to quickly refill their water, collect their drop bag and continue on the route. The clock is always ticking so each competitor must decide how to manage their time themselves.

Rest & Sleep

Entirely the entrants choice of how to manage their time with regards to rest. They can either rest along the route under the stars, in the check points or not at all.

This race is suitable for a range of abilities from the elite ultra running athletes to the experienced walker.

Race organizer Keith Gray who has run through this desert twice previously commented

"I was really amazed when I heard Colin wanted to do the race but after speaking with him and realizing that this was a man who was clearly driven and determined I thought he would be a perfect participant. The location is really amazing. It really does feel like you're running on another planet. Running at night is even more surreal with an unbelievable number of shooting stars zipping through the sky and the rock formations taking on a subtle blue glow in the moonlight. It is a very tough event but very achievable if the person has their head prepared for it. It stands to be an awe inspiring race with fantastic appeal for a range of abilities. There will be the elite runners who run the event from start to finish with very little rest who will be looking for a good time and placing but there will also be the walkers whose goal is to complete this epic challenge in the allotted time. "

See more info on the event at www.oceanfloorrace.com

Rutland Water Marathon 2011

2011-11-10T03:59:00.000-08:00

The 2nd Rutland Water Marathon took place on Sunday 6th of Nov 2011 and for the 2nd year running the sun came out. The overall mens winner was Andrew Siggers from Kenilworth Runners in a time of 2:39:36 followed by last years winner Hywel Davis from Rugby Triathlon club. The overall female winner was Kate Mills from Springfield Striders who also took the 40+ female category in a time of 3:14:52. Doug Slater took the mens 40+ award in a time of 3:03:20 and David Rose of STOURBRIDGE RC taking the male 50+ category. Leslie Andrew took the final female individual award in the 50+ category and The 100 Marathon Club won the club category with 1854 points followed in second place by the local Rutland Running Club with 1363 points. A note worthy mention needs to go out to Damian Atkinson who competed the marathon wearing an army bomb disposal suit in a time of 7:33:20. I lifted the suit up after he completed the race and was amazed at how heavy it was. Well done Damian.. a great effort.

Rutland Water Marathon 2011 Results

2011-11-06T11:51:00.000-08:00

Please see the link below for the results

http://www.chipresults.co.uk/Default.aspx?event=2011RutlandMarathon

Rutland - Parking and finish area

2011-11-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

For those of you that have been asked to park at Normanton south shore car park this coming Sunday please see the aerial view of the car park and finish area. Please see the pink dotted line area that shows extra places for cars to park should the main car park become full. Car park is an Anglian Water car park and is pay and display.

The Ocean Floor Race In Pictures

2011-11-02T09:35:00.000-07:00

www.oceanfloorrace.com

Save £100 on The Ocean Floor Race entry fee.

2011-10-31T07:26:00.000-07:00

Fat Feet have decided to offer the next 10 entries before January the 1st a £100 discount on the entry fee for The Ocean Floor Race 2012. Please see the advert below for details.
www.oceanfloorrace.com

Rutland Route Map-

2011-10-27T01:54:00.000-07:00

The Rutland Water Marathon route map. Please note that runners will receive their race information in the post in a couple of days and on this inforamtion it will state if you have been assigned to park at Sykes lane car park or Normanton south shore car park. Around 170 of the runners have been told to park at Sykes lane car park. When they finish the race at Normanton a free bus service will transport them back to Sykes lane.

Leg amputee enters one of worlds toughest races

2011-10-26T03:44:00.000-07:00

Leg amputee Colin Edwards (56) from the UK has entered The Ocean Floor Race which takes in May 2012. 160 miles across the desert would be too much for most able bodied people which makes it even more amazing. We will be interviewing Colin shortly to share this amazing persons story with you all. Still taking entries. www.oceanfloorrace.com

Rutland Water Marathon Race Packs

2011-10-20T15:42:00.000-07:00

Just to let you know race packs won't be going out in the post for another week or so. The race will start at 9.00am and will have a 7 hour time limit. Your race packs will contain all your race day information including where to park and where you need to be for the start.

Steve Jobs- Kept people On their feet for longer

2011-10-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

World and business leaders have paid tribute to Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who has died at 56 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

US President Barack Obama and Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev said Mr Jobs had changed the world.

In a statement, Bill Gates said: "The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come. For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it's been an insanely great honour."

Mr Steve Jobs not only changed the world from a innovative point of view he also put alot of feet into running shoes and kept them running for longer and farther than ever before. I couldn't begin to know how many more people now run thanks to the ipod but just knowing the people around me in my day to day life, I have noticed many people now running who never even thought of running before getting an ipod. I think those, not naturally in tune with their inner runner often need a little support to keep them out on their feet and what better help than with music. A work colleague who I will not mention has been wanting to lose weight for years and years and I now understand that she now regularly runs all the time mainly due to Steve Job's fantastic ipod. She says that she couldn't be bothered to go out one day when she couldn't find it which says it all for me. Mr Jobs you have put more feet in running shoes and made running even more enjoyable through your creations than thought possible. Let us all raise a glass to Mr Steve Jobs - February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011

Promo Video - The Ocean Floor Race

2011-09-20T08:19:00.000-07:00

Go to website to enter the January 2012 event for the adventure of a lifetime

Dates Confirmed For Grimsthorpe 2012

2011-09-13T02:49:00.000-07:00

The date for the Grimsthorpe Ultra 70 and Ultra 105 in 2012 will be Friday the 13th of July. The Half Marathon event at Grimsthorpe Castle will be on the Sunday (15th July). These dates have been chosen to not conflict with the Olympics and the European Football Championships. The events last year were a huge success and with the beautiful surroundings great atmosphere and the possibility of a new race the weekend looks set to go from strength to strength.

We are not opening entries just yet but wanted to give you some dates that you can put in your diary. We will open entries in another month or two.

Interview with OFR entrant Tim Welch

2011-09-12T02:28:00.000-07:00

Name ? - Tim Welch

Where do live? - Blackpool, Lancashire

Age ?- 40

What attracted you to enter the Ocean Floor race? - The opportunity to go back to the Sahara coupled with the distance involved was just too good an opportunity to miss. Its always a priviledge to run in such a beautiful but brutal environment.

Do you have much experience of desert ultra marathons ? - This will be my sixth but still learning.

What initially got you interested into ultra running and what now keeps you interested ? - I used to play a lot of rugby but found my self spending more time injured than playing. I saw the MdS on Transworld Sport and thought I'd give it a go. Since then its been about testing/stretching my physical and mental boundries whilst experiencing locations that the vast majority of people don't get the opportunity to enjoy. From 2008 I've been running to raise money and awareness for the Juvenile Diabestes Research Foundation (my middle daughter is a type 1 diabetic).

Have you had any bad injuries in previous races ? - Nothing too dramatic bar very sore/blistered feet and the inevitable ligament and muscle aches and pains from covering long distances. Did however get my hydration wrong in Namibia and needed an IV to sort me out. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!

What do your family and friends think about you entering races like this? - That clearly i'm as mad as a hatter.

Do you train much and if so how ? - For major races aim to build up to 20 hours a week, with a combination of running, walking and cycling. For hot weather races will do a proportion of that in multiple layers/a sweatsuit.

What 3 pieces of kit do you think you won't be able to do without in the race ? - sunglasses, wet wipes and ginger chews.

What do you eat in a race like this ? - Probably not as much as I should with most of my nutrition comes from drinks mix but having variety/options is key as I invariably across a long race i 'fall out' with what I'm drinking and a change is as good as a rest. If the race is supported or there are drop bags then a combination of ravioli, custard and pringles/ritz biscuits hit the spot but the one thing I really miss is fresh milk!

Whats the best memory you have in a desert ultramarathon ? - Any night time stage/stint (assuming there's no sand in the air!). With no light pollution the night sky is fantastic and if I'm not careful could find myself standing there open mouthed for hours on end!

Whats the best piece of advice you would give to someone thinking of entering the OFR ? - Don't delay! It'll be the experience of a life time - why wouldn't you want to spend time in one of the most beautiful places on the planet away from the over crowded rat race that is everyday life. Personally I can't wait!

Roz Crawford Interview- 2012 OFR entrant

2011-08-30T07:48:00.000-07:00

Name? Roslyn Crawford
Where is home? Sydney Austrailia

How did you find out about the Ocean Floor race?

A running friend I did the Marathon Des Sables with told me about it, and having never been to Egypt I thought it would be an amazing experience.

Have you much experience of these types of events?

I’ve only just become interested in endurance type events since turning 21 so my experience is fairly limited. I love trail running in the bush land areas around Sydney, and my first major overseas endurance event was the 2010 Marathon Des Sables in Morocco.

What attracted you to this race and what are you most looking forward to about it?

That it is in a completely different setting to what I’m used to. Yes I’d be away from family and friends but fear has no place in adventure, and this will offer me an amazing experience. I most looking forward to just running through the white desert; the things I’ll see there by day and night. It’s given me something to focus on and build towards.

Are you currently training and how will you train for this event?

In between my university and work schedule I like to fit in as much training as I can. I have a good base aerobic fitness and my chief training goal is simply building the endurance up in my legs. I’ll mostly be running, but am big on cross training and some strength work.

Do you have a top 3 of pieces of kit you can't do without for this event?
GPS, flashlight, food!

Do you have some top snacks that you like to run with?
Sultanas, peanut butter bars, gels

How did get into this type of race?

I love running, I was a sprinter up until about 18 and then I started running longer and travelling greater distances, something which I continue to get more enjoyment out of.

Still taking entries at www.oceanfloorrace.com

Rutland Water Marathon Entries

2011-08-26T03:44:00.000-07:00

Hi all , people are now starting to look to their running plans for the next few months and as the number of marathon running events is greatly reduced in the winter time this has seen a big increase in the number of entries for the Rutland Water Marathon. We only have a limited 1000 entries so we would advise you to enter sooner rather than later to avoid dissapointment. Please see some of the photos from our 2010 event and then go to the website to enter at www.fat-feet.co.uk

Interview with Tony Slessor- 2011 Winner of Grimsthopre Ultra 70

2011-08-22T03:06:00.000-07:00

The Grimsthorpe Ultra 70 and 105 was a great success and we interviewed the Ultra 70 winner "Tony Slessor" to find out about his experience in the race.

Well done on winning the Ultra 70,.. can you tell us about your experience of the event. Did you enjoy it, find certain parts of it difficult?
Well it wasn't a walk in the park ! But I really enjoyed it, what a great setting for a race. There are no great hills on the course although there were certain short bits where it was better to save energy and walk up rather than run. A good course for someone wanting to go over the marathon distance for the first time. The trick is to only think of the next card punch point and just concentrate on the lap you are on. If you think about the whole distance it can seem too daunting.

Did it get lonely out on the course?
No not really, on the first lap or so there were a few of us running together so had a chat for a while. Later I was feeling good so upped the pace a bit. There was always people at the start / finish area for a chat between laps when I was sorting out drinks etc. It's true what they say about ultra runners, they are all a friendly bunch !
How long have you been running ultras and how did you train for this event?
My first run over the marathon distance was Draycote 35 in Feb 09, the following month I did the Connemara Ultra in Galway. Since then I have done Eco trail Paris twice, Speyside way, Highland Fling and Perth 100K
My training is a bit unique. I work on an oil production ship in the north sea, 2 weeks on the ship and 3 weeks at home. I run most nights on the treadmill during my 2 week stint. I mix it up a bit with speedwork and long runs. 20 mile runs on a ships treadmill in winter can get interesting, plenty of hill work !! Of course the other benefit is when I am home for 3 weeks I can train when I like.

Did you eat much while the event was taking place and if so what sort of food were you eating?
It's an ongoing problem I have, I really struggle to eat during ultras. I used to get really ill in the later stages of races. I am now taking S caps (electrolyte capsules) and I find they have really helped, no more stomach issues. I still stick to energy bars, crisps and bits of cake. At each baggage area stop I took a bar, a gel and drank a bottle of Mountain Dew as well as drinking plenty of water. That set me up for another lap. I couldn't face eating on the last 2 laps though, just stuck with the gels. It's a pity I could not manage the beef stew you put on, it was great by all accounts !

Will you be back next year?
If my work rota allows there is no way I will miss this event. Next year I plan to do the 105, I can't top this year though........but i'll try !
Thanks for putting on a great event Keith, I know it will go from strength to strength. See you next year

RACE Photos

2011-08-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

To see the race pics from Grimsthorpe Half Marathon, please go to the below link.

http://www.mickhall-photos.com/index.asp

Grimsthorpe Half Marathon

2011-08-14T12:07:00.000-07:00

Grimsthorpe Half Marathon results can be seen here. Thanks again to everyone who helped make this a fantastic event once again.

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B-eKDSO8KSWuYTEzNWRkOTUtY2ZmZi00Y2FiLTgyNGUtZTQ2Yzk0OTk5MTcw&hl=en_US

Grimsthorpe Ultra Results

2011-08-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

Please see the link below to see the 2011 ultra 70 and 105 results. A fantastic few days with some amazing people. Thanks to everyone who made the event so special.

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B-eKDSO8KSWuY2QxOTQ4YjYtMWM1Zi00NjA2LTkzYWMtY2NiZjI3ODEyYjgw&hl=en_US

Race Packs going in the post this week

2011-08-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

Hi All , just to let you know that race packs will be going in the post this week for all the Grimsthorpe events taking place from the 12th of August to the 14th. The Ultra event will start at 9.00am on the 12th and the Half Marathon will start at 10.00am on the 14th. Look forward to seeing you all there.

Photos from Woodland Half Marathon

2011-06-17T08:33:00.000-07:00

To see pics from the woodland half marathon please go to the link below and search for the race.

www.mickhall-photos.com

Grimsthorpe Ultra Marathon Lap

2011-06-08T04:26:00.000-07:00

Grimsthorpe 9.47miles by keithgray100 at Garmin Connect - Details

T-shirts

2011-06-02T07:45:00.000-07:00

Apologies it seems are in order. A few people have said they were expecting t-shirts after the woodland race. This seems to be because the entry is misleading some of the entrants. We ask for your t-shirt size when entering all our races as some people enter the races way before we decide on t-shirts or medals to give to our finishers. The runners world description of the event also didn't help as it was the 2010 event info that we used which does say t-shirts and we didn't amend this properly for the 2011 event. We are sorry for any confusion and will make this clearer in the future.

Woodland Half Marathon 2011- Preliminary Results

2011-05-31T12:26:00.001-07:00

A New Epic Event Is Being Planned

2010-12-29T14:28:00.000-08:00

Fat Feet is very close to confirming an epic new ultra marathon event abroad. The event has been in the planning stages for some time now and we are close to letting the world know about it. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for first news on the event in the coming weeks.

High 5

2010-12-02T08:56:00.000-08:00

High 5 Sports Nutrition is partnering up with Fat Feet for 2011. This is due to Fat Feet deciding that they needed a high quality , highly recommended sports fuel as part of their races and High 5 ticked all the boxs.
Our events for 2011 will have High 5 Products available for free to our entrants on race day to give the energy boost and nutrition our runners need.

RESULTS AND PHOTOS

2010-11-08T09:41:00.000-08:00

Yesterdays Marathon at Rutland Water was a great success and the weather was fantastic.
Hywel Davies of Rugby Triathlon Club was the overall winner with a chip time of 02.47.28. In overall second place but the winner of the 40+ male category was Roger Canham (02:57:26)

The first female was Helen Taranowski of West 4 Harriers in a time of 03:09:56 and the first 40+ female was Angie Sadler of Tewkesbury AC in a time of 03:16:38

This was the first marathon event at Rutland Water and the Fat Feet team certainly have gained some valuable experience at this fantastic venue.

Please see the full results at the web address below.
http://www.sportstimingsolutions.co.uk/results.php

You can see the photos of the event at Mick Halls website. Please see link below.
http://www.mickhall-photos.com

Rutland Water

2010-11-03T03:13:00.000-07:00

The marathon this Sunday around Rutland water is forecast for a couple of light showers which isn't a bad thing for a runner but is for the marshals. So if you run past a cold shivering marshal please shout some encouragement to them going.
We will be directing you all to the race start from the car park but please try and collect your timing chip from the registration tent and leave the car park to the start by 8.45am at the
latest.
If the race number you received in the post has the words "Flags" at the top of it, this indicates that you should start the race in front of the two white flags that will be situated just behind the starting line. Look forward to seeing you all there.

Rutland Entries Are Closed.

2010-09-20T04:13:00.000-07:00

Just to let you know that we have reached our self imposed limit of 650 runners, so Rutland Water Marathon entries are now closed.

Rutland Entries Closing Soon.

2010-08-24T02:47:00.000-07:00

We have 500 + entrants for the Rutland Water Marathon but will have to close entries in the not too distant future as we need to order the medals,t-shirts, goody bags etc. The event will be chip timed and it has a early 9.00am start due to the November evenings getting dark at around 4.30pm and we don't want any runners out after these times. So to avoid disappointment enter now at the website,
www.fat-feet.co.uk

Fat Feet has a shop

2010-08-12T06:21:00.000-07:00

Fat Feet now has a shop selling T-shirts ,Hoodies, Hats , Running jackets etc etc.

Our branding and logos have taken two forms.

1. Forever Fat Feet
2. Fat Feet- A STATE OF MIND AND FEET

Please go to our website and click on our shop to see more.
www.fat-feet.co.uk

Grimsthorpe Half Marathon- Sunday 25th July

2010-07-24T11:27:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has entered online in the last few days please bring your pay pal receipt to registration to receive your race number. Race starts at 10am. Please go to main entrance. Spectators will be charged £5 by the Grimsthorpe Estate staff.

Delay for Woodland Results

2010-05-31T13:07:00.000-07:00

Woodland Half Marathon Results will be online tomorrow hopefully. Our website guy is still on his way back from his weekend away so apologies for the delay.

Half Marathon- No Entries On The Day

2010-05-26T02:58:00.000-07:00

Entries are now closed for the Woodland Half Marathon and we aren't accepting entries on
the day I'm afraid.

The weather forecast for Sunday is a high of 16 C which will be a welcome relief to those who were expecting the 25 C that
was beating down on the UK last weekend. The day before on the Saturday their is forecast of some sporadic showers which will soften the trail.
We have 160 runners taking part in the first Woodland Half Marathon which we are really pleased with. We look forward to seeing you all there.

The Alzheimer's Society is our official charity

2010-05-14T03:57:00.000-07:00

We would like to announce that our official charity for 2010 will be The Alzheimer's Society. We are in the process of producing a page on the fat feet website to encourage our runners to raise money for this worthwhile cause.

Entries Closing Soon

2010-05-06T03:26:00.000-07:00

Hi all, Just want to make you all aware that entries for the Woodland Half Marathon will be closing in another week or so. If you want to enter then please be aware of this. Cheers Fat Feet

Free Entry into Fat Feet Events

2010-04-06T07:52:00.000-07:00

We want to get people talking about Fat Feet so we've decided to give free entry to our events via Facebook.
The way it works is as follows. Using your facebook account (if you haven't got one you would need to register with facebook) you must send a friend request to us at our Facebook page and once a month we will pose a question /quiz on facebook. All you have to do is keep an eye out for the question and message us back with your answer. We will then put all the correct answers into a hat and pick a person at random who can then choose one of our races to enter free of charge. Simple as that. So if you know anyone who loves running, then send them to our facebook page and tell them to keep a look out for the question/quiz.
Please note...Just like "Simon Says.." The start of of the free entry question will read "Free Entry Question-".

The free entry will only be available to the person who has answered the question. The entry is not available to be transferred to anyone else. The free entry is not redeemable for events already entered. The free entry is only available to persons who can agree to our terms and conditions on our website entry page.

Orbana Team Up With Fat Feet

2010-03-31T10:56:00.001-07:00

Orbana has teamed up with Fat Feet to promote its fantastic healthy energy drink.

Click the link to go to the website http://www.orbana.com/

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Fat Feet Info

2010-03-30T02:41:00.000-07:00

Just to let you all know Fat Feet's events are in the process of obtaining a race licences and being accurately measured.

The Route- Woodland Half

2010-03-18T03:52:00.000-07:00

Two loops of the 5.10 mile trail and then moving onto another trail for the final 2.90 mile loop.
The route has been designed to encorporate as much of the woodland as possible. For the two bigger loops, runners will be relived to know that they will be directed down the "Hill from Heaven" which will be welcome relief to the legs. On the final loop though just a few hundred meters before the finish, the runners will have to tackle the "Hill from Hell" which is a leg buster designed to separate those who have got that extra bit left in the tank and those that haven't. Marshals will be monitoring the runners race numbers to make sure they complete the full course.

Fine weather is changing the woods

2010-03-17T04:52:00.000-07:00

I ran the woodland route on Monday night and the fine weather that we've had recently has definatly started to have an impact on the terrain. The trail is firming up and having the sun finally shining through the trees is starting to give the feeling that spring is nearly here. While running I saw at least 20 deer and two muntjack and the illusive white albino deer. The final part of the route directs runners to the "Hill from Hell" which I tackled on Monday and my legs are still feeling now. Its only 80 meters or so but after 13 miles its a killer. After the "Hill from Hell" its a couple of turns onto the finishing straight with a nice gentle downhill sprint to the finish.

Woodland Half Marathon places are filling up

2010-02-11T08:37:00.001-08:00

Woodland Half Marathon entries are coming in and spring in just around the corner. The winter has stripped the trees of foliage but It won't be long until the woods are looking like they did in this picture that was taken last spring. Keep on training. Roll on May 30th

Grimsthorpe Ultra 70

2010-02-04T03:36:00.000-08:00

The entrants are coming in and excitement is building. We have had a few questions about food. Just to confirm we will be providing food but as some people may be picky about what they eat, please bring enough to sustain your time in the race.

Grimsthorpe Ultra 70

2010-02-04T03:15:00.000-08:00

Grimsthorpe Ultra 70

The sun setting over the castle, The race route glowing in the darkness, The dawn breaking over the Lake, 70 non stop miles through the beautiful countryside. Roll on July.

Website Goes Live

2010-01-19T03:52:00.000-08:00

At last the new website has gone live and is accepting entries.
The four events for the forthcoming year can now be accessed and entered online at www.fat-feet.co.uk. Please take a look at the Woodland Half Marathon (Bourne, Lincolnshire), the Grimsthorpe Ultra 70 (Lincolnshire), Grimsthorpe Half Marathon,(Lincolnshire) and the fantastic Rutland Water Marathon (Rutland).

Snow in woods

2010-01-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

Snow falls on the woods

2010-01-12T06:57:00.000-08:00

The Snow didn't keep the runners away from training in the woods last week.

Snow in Bourne Woods

2010-01-12T06:56:00.000-08:00

FAT-FEET: Website Nearly Ready

2010-01-06T12:19:00.000-08:00

FAT-FEET: Website Nearly Ready

Website Nearly Ready

2010-01-05T11:51:00.000-08:00

I've been informing those who want to know, about the forthcoming events for 2010
and had alot of interest from people wanting to enter. The website is almost done
so it won't be long until you can register your entries on-line. Please be patient,
it should be up and running in a week or so.

4 confirmed events for 2010

2009-12-11T08:27:00.000-08:00

4 confirmed events for 2010. We have the Woodland Half marathon in Bourne Woods, Lincolnshire, on Sunday May 30th. Then the Grimsthorpe Ultra Marathon on the 23rd and 24th of July followed by the Grimsthorpe Half Marathon 25th of July. Finally we have the Rutland Water Marathon on November the 7th. 4 fantastic events that we are sure will be a huge success.