Review: DB Max Chilly 10K and Chilly Duathlon

DB Max were celebrating their tenth birthday as they held the annual 'Chilly 10K' and 'Chilly Duathlon'. Team Total were there, participating in both races and soaking up the atmosphere from what was a great day all round - despite the weather!

Chilly by name and nature; what the DB Max duathlon at Castle Combe lacked in temperature, it made up for with spirit. Thankfully the weather was dry for all competitors on the 10th anniversary of the event. With plenty of races throughout the day including a 10k run, duathlon and university events, the atmosphere was electric.

Spectators and competitors alike were bobbing along to the African drummers- not only to keep warm but enthralled in the atmosphere. The start of each race was indicated with not only a gun, but streamers and flames which had heads turning across the racecourse site.

Castle Combe racecourse is located in the spectacularly quaint village of Castle Combe in South Gloucestershire. While the locals are more familiar with the circuit being used by motor racing folk munching on greasy burgers, this weekend was a different affair. Across the site cyclists could be found polishing their carbon frames and runners pacing to warm their limbs; all fuelled by freshly ground coffee and seed-based energy bars.

Having competed myself, I was delighted to find this race to be as succinct as any other DB Max event I have participated in. The efficiency of registration, organisation of the Transition Zone and layout of the whole site was well organised. Spectators had the option to enjoy the warm of the observation tower or be up close next to the track to cheer on their friends and family. Adventurous spectators walked the perimeter of the running circuit to cheer competitors pass by along the quieter stretches of the race. The encouragement from the crowd while I competed was outstanding and the whole event felt very inclusive, I am sure all who competed would concur.

Following the final sprint to the finish, medals, 9Bar refreshments and water were handed out prior to collecting timing printouts.

An event anticipated for so very long and over far too quickly! I already look forward to the spring DB Max Chilly event which takes place on the 19th February 2017.