What a cracking race the Brown Clee Burn is.
I am not sure how many times I have taken part in it – but it has been a few and it is still up there as one of my favourites. It is tough, 11km with 360 metres of ascent but the varied terrains and the stunning views definitely make it an unforgetable route. The post race refreshments are pretty hard to beat too – a breakfast butty with a choice of fillings is included in the entry fee.
It truely is a multi-terrain race starting at Stoke St Milborough Village hall along tarmac for approximately 2km turning onto some very steep footpaths which were a little hazardous for a variety of reasons – mud, fallen leaves and apples, and a fallen tree which had to be scrambled over at one point. I did get stung by a wasp too but didn’t hear of that happening to anyone else. Fairly soon though it evens out a little as you get onto the common land – which was a bit soggy underfoot with some mud and puddles, but still runable – for me until you get to the very steep final few metres up to the trig point of the Brown Clee Hill. But after the battle of the hill there is finally some welcome downhill running with stunning views of the Shropshire country side down a gravel access road.
It was great to see Tori out giving support and taking photos as we took a left turn off the track to run on the grass around the Nordy Bank Hill fort. You would be forgiven for thinking that the last of the climbs were behind us at this point, but no! There is a more steady uphill taking you off the common and then up a farm track – at last to some fields where it is downhill all the way! Well almost, coming back onto the road for the last KM or so back to the village hall is maybe a little uphill? But the end was in sight!
First runner home was Andrew Summers of Bridgenorth Running Club in 47.14 and first lady home was Mel Price of Mercia Fell Runners in a female record time of 56.55.
First Croft Home was Mike Bending, followed by Richard Coultard. Well done to Liza for winning first Vet female – who sadly missed out on her moment of glory at the post race presentation due to a mix up with the timings.
| 1 | Mike Bending | 1.03:17 | ||
| 2 | Richard Coultard | 1.06:43 | ||
| 3 | Liza Austin | 1.09.11 | Vet winner! | |
| 4 | Steph King | 1.09.15 | ||
| 5 | Sam Harper | 1.11:12 | ||
| 6 | Steph Main | 1.12:09 | ||
| 7 | Angus Kirby | 1.19:32 | ||
| 8 | Huw Williams | 1.23.57 | ||
| 9 | Frank Luscott | 1.28:36 | ||
| 11 | Nicola Luscott | 1.29.50 | ||
| 12 | Carol Powell | 1.30:05 |
There are some great photos on the Brown Clee Burn Website from this year as well as previous ones. Well worth checking out. https://browncleeburn.weebly.com/2025-photo-gallery-233744.html#/
Really looking forward to next years race!
