Welcome back to Races in Funny Places! For the next three weeks, we’ll be delving into some of the downright bizarre races organised by Sussex Trail Events that are right up our street, or in this case, tunnel. This week, we’re heading underground to Portsmouth, where runners took on the world’s first-ever underground marathon in a World War II bomb shelter. If you thought racing through a salt mine was quirky, wait until you hear about this.
Let’s descend into the depths of the UCAP Airsoft tunnels, where history meets hilarity and runners don’t just break a sweat; they might also break their helmets.
The Setting: Helmets On, Headlamps Ready
Forget rolling hills or coastal views; this course had something far more evocative: history, damp walls, and a ceiling just low enough to keep everyone’s posture honest. Originally a Royal Navy bunker used during D-Day to track troops, the UCAP Airsoft tunnels were transformed into a 91-lap marathon course that stretched a claustrophobic 460 metres per loop. If you’re thinking, “That’s a lot of laps,” you’re right. By the end, some runners probably felt like they’d made it halfway to France.
Racers, adorned in helmets and head torches, gathered at the start line, adjusting their lights and mentally preparing for a few hours of dodging low ceilings, damp patches, and possibly a spectral sailor or two. Half the competitors turned up in fancy dress, which only added to the surreal vibe. Seeing someone dressed as a banana squinting into the gloom was, apparently, part of the experience.
The Race: Watch Your Head
With the signal to start, the marathon began. The runners charged forward, squeezing through narrow passages that might once have hosted war briefings but now resonated with the rhythmic crunch of running shoes and the occasional cry of “Mind your noggin!”
Unlike typical marathons, there were no hills, no cheering crowds, and no inspiring views. Instead, there were dark corners, unlit stretches, and the unnerving sensation of being deep enough underground to make moles jealous. Head torches provided just enough light to keep the runners from tripping over their feet, while helmets absorbed the brunt of any misjudged leaps of enthusiasm.
Some competitors focused on pacing and maintaining a steady rhythm through the tight course, while others leaned into the absurdity of it all, recognising that this marathon was unlike any other.
Mid-Race Musings: The Echo Chamber
By lap 45, many runners started to fully embrace the oddity of their surroundings. The air was damp, the tunnels felt like they were closing in with every lap, and the novelty of racing through a World War II bunker was about the only thing keeping spirits high. There were jokes aplenty, including one about the underground sauna that emerged after a particularly humid stretch.
Despite the confined space, camaraderie flourished. Runners shared laughs, compared headlamp brightness, and swapped tales of minor helmet scrapes. One participant quipped that they’d never again complain about cobblestone streets after such a unique experience.
The Finish Line: History Made
After 91 laps, the finish line wasn’t marked by cheering crowds or an inflatable arch but rather the quiet triumph of emerging from the depths victorious. For many, the real reward wasn’t the medal, although the event’s custom-designed trophies, featuring a miner’s oil lamp motif, were a nice touch but the bragging rights.
“I ran a marathon in a D-Day bunker” was sure to become a go-to dinner party anecdote, with the details raising eyebrows and sparking curiosity. While the medals may gather dust, the stories would be shared for years to come.
Post-Race Reflections: Running Through History
For Sussex Trail Events, the organisers behind this madness, it’s all part of their mission to find the quirkiest race venues imaginable. They’ve hosted marathons in prisons, on piers, and in multi-storey car parks, but the UCAP tunnels might just take the cake.
The organisers note that many of these runners have completed over 100 marathons and are always on the lookout for something a bit different and what could be more different than 91 laps underground?
With plans to repeat the race next November, the underground marathon is here to stay. So, if you fancy a run through history (and don’t mind the occasional head scrape), keep an eye on Sussex Trail Events. Just remember: bring a helmet, a headlamp, and a sense of humour. You’ll need all three.