SPITFIRE SCRAMBLE

A favourite team event of HRR is the Spitfire Scramble, a 24-hour multi-terrain relay or solo race. This off road ultra test of team endurance is situated at Hornchurch Country Park, the site of RAF Hornchurch, a strategic base during the Second World War where many Spitfire missions were launched. The event starts at midday when the first team member begins their first 5.75-mile lap. The team does not stop  until midday the next day.

HRR had 3 teams and a solo runner making up the 2024 squad taking on the challenge at the weekend. Our mixed team of 5, Nathan Roulson, Dan Cole, Adam Buckle, Bec Gilroy and Sam Wolton completed 28 laps a total mileage of 161 miles. Our mixed team of 8, Sam Hillyard, Simon Hillyard, Dan Roughan, Maryann sycamore,   Sarah waddington, Perry James, Axel Voight and Lisa Clark completed 26 Laps equating to 149.5 miles. Our ladies team of 7, Victoria Metson , Rachael Roughan, Grace Pullinger, Noush Springett, Mandy Humm, Charlii Bower and Emma Healy also completed 26 Laps equaling 149.5 miles, finishing 3rd in their category. Finally, Matt Biggin took the challenge on solo and completed an incredible 15 laps, 86.25 miles, finishing 3rd place in his category.

Here is Matt’s own account of the experience…

There are days when you realise very quickly that plans were going to have to change and the 2024 Spitfire Scramble was one of those for me. Within 3 hours of starting I realised that my legs had not properly recovered from my last event and I would have to reassess my goals. I was running solo rather than in a team and I knew it was going to be a long day. In order to finish I knew I’d have to slow things down, look after myself and make sure that my legs were going to go the distance. 24 hours is a long time on your feet and there were ups and downs along the way but I enjoyed every second. The support from the team, other competitors and the race marshals kept a smile on my face throughout what was a tough challenge. I managed to complete 15 laps, 86.25 miles, in an elapsed time of 25 hours and 54 seconds, coming 3rd in the Solo Male category.

We are all so proud of Matt for his epic performance and of the rest of the squad for their Spitfire achievements and teamwork. A huge thank you to Nathan Roulson for organising the Spitfire squad of 2024.