ROUTE RECCE
Race director Andy Max guides you on a 10K race with two climbs up a famous hill in the Cotswolds
‘I’D BEEN A SPECTATOR at the cheese-rolling event for many years, and because I’m not adventurous enough to run down, I thought it would be an amazing challenge to run up,’ says Max. ‘So, after coming up with the idea for a race, the name was easy, because you run up the cheese-rolling hill twice and we’re in Gloucestershire. The race started in 2017 and we average about 150 to 200 runners, who set off in a staggered start. It’s so steep that there’s no shame if you can’t run all the way up. The views from the top are amazing, but it’s a tough course. Last year, we introduced a 1km kids’ version that also goes up the hill. We attract all abilities and welcome people coming in fancy dress or wearing cheese-themed hats.’
This year’s race is on Sunday 12 November. For more details, visit ypbevents.co.uk
► START
Runners register at Witcombe village hall before the 1km walk or warm-up run to the race start at the bottom of Cooper’s Hill, the well-known site of the annual cheese-rolling contest. In that spring event, competitors chase a round cheese – which is given a one-second head start – down the slope, with the first person over the line at the bottom declared the winner.
➝ 0.2KM
With a 50% gradient, this ridiculously steep 200m climb leaves all runners struggling as they follow a well-trodden zigzagging path through some wooded areas to the top of the hill. Running up, you might marvel further at those foolhardy souls who hurtle down it during the che
