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Sportsister has a go at the Saab Salomon Turbo-X Trail

June 2, 2024

Sportsister’s Anna took up the challenge and competed in the first Saab Salomon Turbo-X trail, after ten miles of mud, hills, bogs and sand dunes she finished exhausted but happy and already planning to do the next one.

If you are looking for an event to spice up your running training, then the Saab Salomon Trail Running Series could be exactly what you need. The events, organised in association with 2:09 events are aimed at runners of all standards of fitness and expertise and comprise of 10-12 mile Turbo-X trails, 10K forest trails, trail marathons and training weekends.

Sportsister was invited to try the first Turbo-X Trail at Martinique in Hampshire. These events involve 10-12 miles of off-road twisting trails with wetland, bogs and climbs as well as a one mile timed speed section. Our tester Anna, a full-time fitness instructor took up and the challenge and had a thoroughly enjoyable day.

From the competitors point of view the event was extremely well organised and enjoyable, and for the spectators there was plenty of fun too. Anna took her husband and three young children - the children had a great time watching mountain bike demos and gathering freebies and her husband was totally inspired to enter the next event.

The many obstacles, which include sand dunes, hills, water and bogs keep you occupied the entire way round. And even though it is a race, these added features create a friendly and supportive atmosphere - with competitors helping each other out through the trickiest parts. However, Anna points out that there is very little chat. Firstly, you don’t have the energy but secondly, you have to concentrate on your footing and the next challenge.

The start of the turbo speed section was marked by a steam filled archway, adding a sense of atmosphere but also a great vantage point for spectators. To time the section, the chip in your shoe is activated, giving speedy runners a chance to win a special prize and a moment on the podium.

‘I would certainly do one again, so much more fun than just road running’ Anna, Sportsister

With the winner completing the course in an hour and the slowest taking over two hours, there is a good mix of abilities which again adds to the focus on fun and personal achievement.

Anna’s advice: It was easy to see who had done a race like this before as they had the right kit. I would say the right shoes would make a huge difference. A lighter upper that can drain the water rather than hold it in and a good grippy sole are essential.

So if you fancy giving a Turbo-X Trail a go the next one is 28th September at Sandhurst in Berkshire. Alternatively try one of the 10k trail runs through forests and woods. All details are listed below.

Danielle Sellwood, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine

Photo credits: Runners and Mudbog images by Phil O Connor, all others Sportsister.

Factfile:

www.saabsalomontrails.com

Saab Salomon Turbo-X Trails:
28 Sep. Poppy Hill. Sandhurst. Berkshire.
4 Oct. Mugdock, Scotland.
23 Nov. Longmoor, Liphook, Hants.

Saab Salomon Forest Trails:
24 June. Swinley, Bracknell. Berkshire.
26 June Moors Valley, Bournemouth, Dorset.
1 July. Forest of Dean, Gloucester.
3 July. Delamere Forest, Cheshire.

Saab Salomon Trail Marathons:
14 June. South Downs Marathon.
19-27 July. Swiss Alpine Marathon.
15-21 Oct. Sunrise Desert Marathon, Egypt.
14-24 Nov. Himalayan Kingdom Marathon.

Saab Salomon Trails Training Weekends:
26-30 June. Provence, France.
4-8 Sept. Provence, France.
5-7 Sept. Forest of Dean.

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