MEET DOUG ”THE BEARD” SPENCE
How many events has D12 held and how
many different race distances does D12
offer?
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We’ve just completed our 5th race weekend
and have now hosted our 10th race, the
most recent being the Dirty Dozen UK
Championships. We wanted to appeal to as
many people as possible so we created the
Dirty Dash (6k), the Dirty Dozen (12k) and the
Dirty Destroyer (18k). As the sport grows and
people’s appetite for
longer races increase, we
may look at longer
distances.
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You build some
impressive obstacles,
how long does it take to
prepare the course and
build the obstacles?
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It takes 3 weeks to build and mark out the
course and a 1 week to take down and clean
up. There is usually a week of mapping and
investigation to get as much out of the terrain
as possible and ensure the right obstacles
are in the right places. It´s important that the
course flows for the runners.
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What can you tell us about your plans for
2015?
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No new venues planned for 2015, we just
want to grow our numbers at current venues
so we can invest money back into these
courses to thank those that have taken part
and supported us in 2014.
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What has been the most memorable
moment for D12 during an event?
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It has to be the amazing
moments when people
come across the finish line
looking absolutely
knackered but ecstatic all
at the same time saying its
the hardest thing they’ve
ever done and that they’d thought they
wouldn’t finish but did. These are very
powerful and emotional moments in their lives
and I feel incredibly privileged that they share
them with me.
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What are your tips for anyone struggling to
overcome obstacles in life and during
races?
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Be unstoppable. Its so easy to put up
excuses and blame external factors like work,
family commitments and even the weather
but its important tha Ёݔ