Saturday 3rd October
Report written by Simon Fitzmaurice
The Goodgym crew were back in full force for the 5th edition of the Camino Ultra London Epping Forest races. We have been lending our help to our fellow runners (over the 25km and 50km distance) since 2021 (the original Lea Valley 50km after lockdown), and we are thrilled to support accessible local grassroots endurance events whenever we can!
The majority of our team assisted with setting up and managing the Butler's Retreat aid station in Chingford (a few paces away from the Epping Forest tourist information hub). Daz and Simon were up before 6am installing a gazebo, arranging nutrition and food and filling up water canteens for over 500 runners making their way along "The Green Corridor". Half of the runners were running from The Golden Fleece in Wanstead Flats for the classic 50km distance, while the other half were running the equally competitive 25km distance from Epping Cricket Club to Wanstead.
As our first runners reached the aid station, Lorna, Ramón, Emma and James were on hand to help with filling water bottles and providing care for their journeys. Eslam and his lovely family formed a cheer squad near the Butler's Retreat café, and alerted the runners about the upcoming road crossings. It was an absolute blast and a lovely way to catch up with our running friends!
As the day started to draw in, superstars Louise and Sam helped with running the 8.8 miles to Wanstead Flats while removing all of the course markings on route. An essential task (especially for the future of this wonderful race), and left in capable hands. Well done!
Thank you all for your efforts today. Keep your eyes peeled for future tasks at the Camino Ultra London Lea Valley Races on March 2027!
Islington
Improving green spaces and biodiversity in the city
