The Humdinger Half Marathon
Humdinger
A challenging half marathon, run entirely on quiet country roads through the Quantock Hills.
OS map (PDF) | Profile (PDF) | MapMyRun route
The race starts on Cheddon Road near the intersection with Lyngford Lane and heads north along Lyngford Lane and past Cheddon Fitzpaine Primary School, before turning right through Goosenford, and then left onto Greenway and up the first significant climb of the race – Noah’s Hill. Just after the two mile mark, there is a well-signed split point, at which the Humdinger route continues straight on up the hill. After reaching an initial peak at just over 600 ft, the race drops back down slightly to Volis Cross, and then climbs again up Volis Hill, before a sharp descent down Rose Hill on the other side. Runners are then faced with the new Humdinger Hill (Shelthorn Hill), a steep initial climb followed by a gentler ascent to Lydeard Cross, and on to Rackhouse Copse, the highest point of the course at about 825 ft.From this point on, the route is predominantly downhill, without any more significant climbs. Turning left, the route then mildly undulates, with a gradual descent through Ducks’ Pool and crosses some ancient woodlands. After passing Broomfield and the Fyne Court junction, the course then drops steeply down Lodes Lane (or Buzzard Hill, named for the oft-spotted Buzzard on the pylons here) until it reaches Kingston St Mary. The road through Kingston St Mary can be quite busy with traffic, so take particular care along this stretch of the race, before turning left towards Upper Cheddon. Continuing south through the village, the route then rejoins
From this point on, the route is predominantly downhill, without any more significant climbs. Turning left, the route then mildly undulates, with a gradual descent through Ducks’ Pool and crosses some ancient woodlands. After passing Broomfield and the Fyne Court junction, the course then drops steeply down Lodes Lane (or Buzzard Hill, named for the oft-spotted Buzzard on the pylons here) until it reaches Kingston St Mary. The road through Kingston St Mary can be quite busy with traffic, so take particular care along this stretch of the race, before turning left towards Upper Cheddon. Continuing south through the village, the route then rejoins Lyngford Lane, heading back towards the start line. Be aware though – the finish is still another half mile to go yet! Continue along Cheddon Road and turn right into Wellsprings Leisure Centre, reaching the finish line at the far end of the car park, and you’ve done it!
Hurtle
Certainly not just a fun run; a 4.5-mile race with a short, sharp climb halfway around.
OS map (PDF) | Profile (PDF) | MapMyRun route
The Hurtle follows the same initial route as the Humdinger. The race starts on Cheddon Road near the intersection with Lyngford Lane and heads north along Lyngford Lane and past Cheddon Fitzpaine Primary School, before turning right through Goosenford, and then left onto Greenway and up the only significant climb of the race – Noah’s Hill. Unlike the Humdinger, the Hurtle route only reaches a height of around 250 ft. Just after the two mile mark, there is a well-signed split point, at which the Hurtle route turns off to the left. The course descends slightly before another climb through Gotton, and then continues along Hestercombe Road until a left turn onto the bottom of Pitcher’s Hill. The race descends down past Cheddon Fitzpaine Primary School once more, heading back towards the start line. Be aware though – the finish is still another half mile to go yet! Continue along Cheddon Road and turn right into Wellsprings Leisure Centre, reaching the finish line at the far end of the car park, and you’ve done it!
Safety:
Please be aware that both routes are predominantly on public roads which are open to traffic. For your own safety, and that of other runners and road users, MP3 players etc. must not be worn and please run on the left side of the road unless indicated otherwise. Any runners seen with headphones during the race risk instant disqualification.
