Ruth Johnson traveled east to Wiltshire on January 22nd to take part in Crooked Trails, Beyond the Farside. This was the 4th running of this truly unique race, bordering on the insane. Runners could choose to run for 6, 12 or 24 hours.The route was located In the beautiful Wiltshire countryside encompassing the edge of Salisbury Plain. Each loop measured approximately 5.30 miles and the overall elevation was 850 feet. Each circuit consisted of three steep descents which took the runners from the Plain down to civilization. Unfortunately the runners were expected to perform a U turn on two of the hills and run back up them!! The trails were narrow which mean't that runners passed close by to one another as they either ran down or up the hills. The start and finish was located at Leighton sports centre in Westbury. There was a well stocked aid station at this point providing the runners the nourishment they required.

Ruth opted for the 6 hour time limit. She managed an impressive 5 laps totaling 27 miles. An unofficial time of 06:12:10 was clocked. Ruth enjoyed the experience but will give the race a miss next year!!