Are you experiencing Hyde Park relay withdrawal symptoms after the “beast from the east” cruelly led to the cancellation (or rather hopeful postponement) of the 2018 edition last Saturday? Then you’re in luck: UCL is organising a 50k bleep test in the very same location this Saturday, March 10th.
Consisting of 10 five-kilometre laps, this event might not appear to be for the faint of heart at first sight. However, the objective is not to run 50 kilometres so much as to last as long as you can. Each lap will need to be run faster and faster and will be punctuated by an audible sound (the bleep), marking the end of the time available for running each lap. Whosoever has not reached the 5k finish/start line when this bleep sounds will be eliminated. Anyone who runs a lap faster than the available time for that leg can stay by the finish line, resting and refuelling to be ready to go again. Importantly, you cannot set off again until the bleep sounds.
The times each lap will need to be run in are as follows:
Lap 1 – 40 minutes
Lap 2 – 35 minutes
Lap 3 – 30 minutes
Lap 4 – 28 minutes
Lap 5 – 26 minutes
Lap 6 – 24 minutes
Lap 7 – 22 minutes
Lap 8 – 21 minutes
Lap 9 – 20 minutes
Lap 10 – 19 minutes
This bleep test provides a completely different challenge to your usual marathon or five-kilometre race: those used to running half or full marathons will no doubt find the challenge very easy for the first half of the event, but as the required time quickens they might find that sheer endurance does not quite cut it. Conversely, while your typical 5/10k runner might not experience too much difficulty for the first few laps, the mileage will threaten to take its toll sooner or later and, as they approach the business end of the event, they might find that their legs are ready to throw in the towel, when a sub-24 minute 5k would not normally pose them too much difficulty.
The last man and woman standing will be declared the winners. In case multiple men/women make it to the last lap, the final leg turns into a race and he/she who crosses the finish line first wins.
All proceeds will go to the charity BEAT, which leads the UK’s fight against eating disorders by helping those suffering from them and by providing information to the public about their struggle. On that note, do read UCL runner Catriona’s inspiring story of her struggle with her own eating disorder.
So come and test yourself: it’s for a good cause and bragging rights over your perennial distance rivals are at stake. Sign up costs £5 (£7 on the day) and is through the following link: eepurl.com/dixyR9
