Bagley Wood is the wood either side of the A34 just after you pass the
last Oxford exit heading south. It’s not that big but is a bit of a
mystery even to us locals as St Johns college restrict public access. I
understand St Johns are still a bit sore after the locals gave the
University heavies a drubbing back in the early 19th century following a
(subsequently successful) assault on their commoners rights.

Bagley Wood Fun Run and Walk is a low profile event (at least I’d never
heard of it before and it’s been running at least 8 years) well
organised by Kennington Overseas Aid. Maybe 150 had gathered for the
start, mostly adult runners but including a fair few teenagers, some
walkers, several dogs (there is a prize for first dog) and a few
toddlers. I collected my number from the ‘Pre-entered’ tent as was
amused to watch the runner in front decline the offer of a ‘spot the
animal picture on your way round’ game. This might explain why the
slower times are around 80 mins – really was something for everyone!

The start was late as people were still signing on. Very few club vests
to be seen but I suspect a select few were targeting the course record
of 19mins and a few secs for the 5.25k off-road. I’ll be disappointed if
I can’t manage under 30mins. I hang back a bit from the front chatting
and only half listening to the instructions about elite go to the front
etc. Then they couldn’t find the race director and it was all a bit of a
laugh. Then it was 3,2,1 (or was it ready, steady GO) and we were off!

It took me about 10 metres to realise there was no one behind me. About
15 guys were charging round the sports field with me and a fit looking
teenager hanging on for dear life. Oh why didn’t I listen to the
announcements properly! This was obviously some sort of ‘elite’ only
start! Didn’t they say something about waiting till they’d done a lap
then joining on behind.

Too late to get back where I belong so did my best to keep up while my
heart rate soared and my head pounded and my legs and lungs screamed. Is
this how you fast guys feel? I not at all sure it’s good for you! I just
had to get round the field then I could ease back into the crowd without
looking too much of a fool. But I wasn’t going to get off that easy- we
round a blind corner into the woods – why hadn’t anyone warned me – 2
flights of concrete steps to climb the bridge over the A34 – is there
some unwritten rule about not using the handrail – I don’t care, I use
it to drag myself up.

So down the other side and now the fast guys had gone and I’m a target
runner for the rest of the field to try and reel in but i’m not planning
to make it easy for them. A few pass me but only a few. The teenager has
left me behind but one of the ‘elites’ has slipped back. It’s mud and
ruts and puddles and corners but lots of marshals and good running if
you chose your line right. The guy about to pass on my right is huffing
like a steam train, he sounds like he’s only knee high. Oh I get it – a
collie dog scampers past with a youngster attached via a CanniX belt.
Both are going well so I shout ‘Go for it first dog!’after them.

I’ve slowed down enough to breath but have to admit things aren’t quite
going to plan. A couple more pass me but I reckon I’m going to have to
ease up or throw up. Something is amiss ahead! First dog is having a
rest and a pant in a muddy puddle, his accomplice looking a bit
frustrated. Then they’re off again. I seem to be on my own for a bit
then someone passes only to stop at the water station, I keep going.
Another 2km to go and I pass 1st dog having another soak ignoring pleas
of, ‘Oh come ON Charlie!’.

They send us round the playing field again a couple of properly paced
runners pass and I just want to finish. 26:58 by my watch and I’m
wrecked. A few more come in, then it’s first dog happily plastered in
mud, his person collapses in a heap. I’m able to gasp to the finish
announcers that this is Charlie. After 20 mins I’ve got my breath back
and drunk a lot of squash and cheered in a few finishers, the smallest I
saw could only have been 6 or 7, I get on my bike and head home. So this
is what Fun Runs are about – I’ll definitely try and be back for next
years!