The first of The British Nordic Walking Challenge series took place last Sunday at the gorgeous Wollaton Park in Nottingham. Exel Poles were proud to be an event sponsor and many of the winners were walking with Exel poles.
130 competitors turned out to face either the 5k, 10k or 21k challenge. The weather was absolutely perfect. Warm, sunny with a light breeze. We really couldn’t have asked for a better day.
The course around Wollaton Park was off road trails and paths circling the beautiful Wollaton Hall. The route took in breathtaking views of the lake and gardens with the resident deer looking on with mild curiosity.
We had 9 entrants for the 21k race, 79 for the 10k and 51 for the 5k. Exel Nordic Walking poles were the pole of choice for the competitors and we spotted a few ‘vintage’ models as well as the newer ‘curve’ style.
Gareth Davies from ‘Staffordshire Nordic Walk’ won the 21k race completing the 4 loop course in an impressive 2 hours 32. The 10k distance challenge winner was Robert King from ‘Nordic Walk It’ who finished in 1:08, and finally the 5k prize went to Louise Dymmock from ‘Oxfordshire Fitness’, who finished in a speedy 38 minutes!
Everybody thoroughly enjoyed the race, and found the atmosphere amazing with all levels of Nordic Walkers feeling challenged and encouraged.
Next up in the Challenge series is Margam Park in Port Talbot on June 26th. Entries are still open so if you fancy challenging yourself, or just like the sound of a sociable walk with friends do get in touch and join in the fun!