White Star Running

I love to run. I’m not very good at it. In fact I’d go as far as to say I’m actually pretty bad at it. But I don’t let that deter me. One of my favourite ways to spend the weekend is to attend a White Star Running event.

Keeping Running Rural

This Poole based running event planning company with the motto ‘Keep Running Rural’ organises events in rural Dorset. Events usually take place over a weekend, with a range of distances on offer. But everyone’s favourite event (well, mine, anyway) is the Frolic.

The Frolic

A Frolic is a 12 hour race, run over a lap of somewhere in the region of 3 to 6 miles. The aim is to complete as many laps as you can in the allotted time. Sounds serious, right? It’s not. You set off around 8 am (you can enter either solo or as part of a team, who run in relay style with a squeaky beaver baton). You can run, or walk – running is optional – as many, or as few laps as you wish. As long as you complete a minimum of one lap, you earn your goodies (this weekend’s consisted of a medal, cider, fudge and the aforementioned squeaky beaver).

The Love Station

Half way round the course is the ‘Love Station’, which provides drinks and snacks (I usually opt for a handful each of Frazzles and Jelly Beans, with the occasional cheese & pineapple on stick). At the start of the day, drinks consisted of water, squash or coke. On my fourth lap, the schnapps had made an appearance.

Pop up Gin Bar

Sometimes, a pop up gin bar appears at a random location on the course. Just when you think you can’t run (walk) another step, there it is, like a mirage in the Dorset desert.

Race Village

Laps start/finish at the Race Village; here you will find is a further drink station, a bar and a choice of food stalls. The ice cream van is an integral part of a White Star weekend. In addition, there is a shop selling White Star merchandise. Lap completed, you can opt to either stop, go round again, or take a break and continue later. I returned to my tent after three laps, took a nap and then felt sufficiently rejuvenated for a fourth lap.

Camping

Some runners choose to come for the day, however, at many events, camping is an option. The camp site is equipped with portaloos, which are emptied regularly, hot showers and catering (this weekend’s consisted of a burger van, pancake van, coffee van and bar). Once the event has finished, there is entertainment; this weekend there was a barn dance. We were all too tired to contemplate dancing, but the live band were really good, so we sat outside our tents and drank cider and enjoyed the music, whilst discussing plans for the next event…

Conclusion

I really enjoy my frolics. If you’re in the Dorset area, I thoroughly recommend entering one. If you’re not in the Dorset area, I thoroughly recommend the Dorset area.