The Serpent Trail 2025
By Tanya Jeffrey
Described as one of the most beautiful trails, it runs from within the South Downs National Park, from Haslemere to Petersfield. The event, organised by Tom at Freedom Racing covers a range of distances from 10k to 100k, and is truly an event for all abilities.
‘how beautiful our countryside can be, if you are a walker or a runner’ Phil
For some the adventure begins with camping on Friday night, saving a few vital minutes or hours before boarding one of the many coaches that sit waiting to take you to your start location. If you are tempted by the 100k, you are the first to go, setting off at 5:20am! If the early starts are not for you then the 20k is a more reasonable time of 11 am.
This year saw our biggest number of entrants from the club, running distances from 20k to 100k. A few first time Ultra runners this year with Jack, Sophie, Kathryn and Matt taking on the 50K. Although Jack said he enjoyed his adventure, it is one that he has no desire to repeat! Phil braved the 75k having completed a few 50k’s previously and wanted to challenge himself further. Sally went for it and ran 100k, amazing work there Sally. Laura, Debbie and myself thought we would run another having completed some previously and had clearly forgotten about the aches and pains that inevitably followed. Julie, Chris, Libby and Andy signed up for the 20K which entailed some of the best scenery around.
After an eventful start for the 8am 50k, which found Jack, Sophie, Laura and myself getting on and off coaches and a minibus a few times! As they had run out of seats to get us to the start line, and couldn’t quite decide the best course of action to resolve the situation, anyway we finally headed off (in the coach we first sat down in!!). At least we didn’t have to wait long for the starting horn once at the start line. After a few meters of running through knee high grass we found our feet before heading off for a loop in the woods, and the countdown of how many miles left started!
The weather was perfect for a long distance race, cloudy, breezy and no appearance of the sun, this was very welcomed after all the blazing sunshine that had preceded the event. There was even a moment of rain, which was handy as it washed away a build up of sand and grit from our legs.
The trail itself runs through some amazing countryside, very technical in places and for myself a high level concentration was needed! Yes, there are hills but most of them were followed by a downhill, a chance to relax and take in the views around you, to take on that all important source of fuel. Well, an Ultra is a run with an ongoing picnic isn't it?
The aid stations were amazing, stocked with everything from sandwiches to the famous flapjack made by Tom’s mum. Having heard about how good these were, I can confirm they were amazing.
The volunteers and marshals done an exceptional job as always at events like these. There was a welcomed sight of Rob, all smiles, clearly having no idea of how many stiles and hills we had run to get to him! He was volunteering his time, at the 2nd to last aid station at Trotton, a quick chat and a selfie gave us the boost to carry on.
‘oh great, another stile’ Laura
I’m sure we all doubted ourselves before the start and during the run, but with fantastic support and the scenery it is amazing what you can achieve. For me running all the way with Jack and Sophie was an amazing experience, they truly were great run buddies that day, we laughed, we stumbled and tripped, there was always a helping hand from Jack getting over those stiles in the last few miles. When your legs only want to go forward and not up and over! Crossing that finish line gives you such a great feeling of success and achievement, topped off by friendly faces, and for Sophie a bottle of beer was the first thing handed to her. Well done Sarah, you knew exactly what she needed. As tradition I headed straight for the cup of tea!
‘even when struggling, you remind yourself of what a privilege it is to be able to push your body and mind to do hard things’ Debbie
Well done to each and everyone of you, regardless of the distance and times you ran you, you got out there, gave it your best and should be proud of what you achieved.
‘each and every ache that follows, signifies a happy memory of the day’ Tanya