With a newweek comes a new Moving Meet… Alongside the Bristol to Bath Canyon event,Aspire had been planning a running-focused meet to be led by ultra-runner and well-knownLondon running figure, James Poole. And, on Tuesday 23^rd July, the latestmeet in the series took place.

We invitedfour members of the Aspire community and four runners from James’ running club,Advent Running, on a trail run that centered around a mid-distance routethrough Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park. The goal was to take seasoned roadrunners off tarmac – and away from their comfort zones.

James hadpre-planned a stunning 12km route that took the group over undulating terrainand through beautiful forest surroundings. We made our way along a number ofpretty off-road paths, up some steep climbs and down challenging hills. And thebeauty of it is we remained within South West London; showing that qualitytrail running can be done in cities.

The groupassembled at the Green Man in Putney at 6.30pm, and were all welcomed with anice cold Tenzing – a natural energy drink company that supported the event.Also awaiting everyone was a brand-new pair of On Cloudventure trail runningshoes. What more could you want pre-run on a hot and muggy evening?

Thetemperature outside was around 30 degrees, so it’s safe to say plenty of fluidswere drunk before we set off. After some mingling, James led the pack into thewoods of Wimbledon Common to discuss effective ways in which to traversetrails. The route meandered through the trees and up and over the ‘Alps’ ofWimbledon, so this briefing was needed!

At thehalfway point in the South East Corner of Richmond Park, Aspire staff set up awater station to combat the heat and snacks for re-fueling. After a quick stopthe team set off into the Park, heading for the Isabella Plantation andnorthern meadows. Photographer Bruce MacAlpine was waiting in the fields,snapping sunset action shots of the runners.

The finalstage of the run navigated the western side of Richmond Park, up and down thehills and through the ferns. The last, steepest hill of the evening awaited thegroup at the very end of the trail. We were all pleased to reach the top, ofcourse, but were totally inspired by the amazing scenery of the overall route.

A generalfeeling of surprise and appreciation for London’s green spaces was apparent foreveryone, which is just what Aspire and James had wanted to achieve. Theevening was wrapped up with a sunset group photo on Richmond Hill, followed bycold beer and post-run chat at the Marlborough pub. Another Moving Meet successfully completed!

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