HOW TO BE A HUMAN FOX

Being a human runner, in a sport known as hunting the clean boot, requires particular skills. Runners Nick Hudson and Caroline Orchard explain…

FITNESS FIRST

Orchard, who is a member of Totton Running Club, on the edge of the New Forest, says runners ought to have some trail running experience and be comfortable over at least a 5km distance.

SHOES WISELY

Hudson runs in lightweight walking boots for the extra ankle support, but says normal trail running shoes are best for most runners. “There are often brambles and flinty stones, so robust footwear helps,” he adds.

TERRAIN TACTICS

“We run over so many different terrains,” Orchard explains. “Ploughed fields which are very rutty, stubble fields with flinty stones, wet and boggy land, lots of hills, through hedges and brambles, over water, in woodland, along tracks.”

CREATURE COMFORTS

“Hunting the clean boot appeals to people with an interest in horses and hounds,” says Hudson. “This is obviously a countryside sport.”

ON THE MAP

Runners are given a map with pre-established routes marked on it. Map-reading and orienteering experience are useful.