Storm Force… 12K? A New Route Gets Its First Test Run
This week saw a group of Carn Runners head out to test a brand-new 12K race route—an exciting possibility that could replace the long-standing Storm Force 10 race in future years.
The idea? Refresh the format, explore new roads, and create an event that remains true to the club’s reputation for a well-organised, early-season race, while offering something slightly different and perhaps more appealing to a wider range of runners.
A New Route for a New Chapter
The proposed 12K course maintains much of the character that runners have come to associate with the Storm—scenic surroundings, quiet rural roads, and a few strategic lumps to keep things honest—while offering a new distance and revised route layout.
This week’s recce was the first proper run-through of the full course, with a few club members putting it through its paces in race-day conditions.
The result? Positive feedback all around. Runners reported that the course had a nice balance of challenge and flow, with open stretches that allow for strong pacing and some gentler sections to recover.
Why 12K?
Switching from the traditional 10-mile format to 12K (7.45 miles) could bring a few key benefits:
- It opens the event up to runners who may find 10 miles a little too much at that point in the season
- It allows for a refreshed race identity and marketing angle
- It may better suit the local terrain and logistics
- It helps keep the event evolving and relevant
That said, nothing is confirmed just yet. This phase is all about testing, gathering feedback, and seeing how the running community responds.
Next Step: Multi-Club Test Run – 13th August
We’re not stopping with just one recce. The next phase of testing will be a trial run involving runners from other local clubs, scheduled for Wednesday, 13th August.
This will be a brilliant opportunity to get wider feedback, test the marshalling points, and gauge how the route feels with a larger group. It’ll also help us iron out any logistical or course marking details ahead of making a final decision.
We’re really excited about the potential here and look forward to welcoming more feedback before anything becomes official.
If you’re part of another local club and would like to be involved in the August 13th trial run, please get in touch—we’d love to have you along.
Stay tuned for updates, and thank you to all the Carnies who took part in the initial recce. You’re helping shape the future of one of our most loved events!
