The team at Boghopper Races...
Kevin Burgess
Rattus rattus, the ultra rat
Janice Coglin-Hibbert
It’s not often you get to do something in life that you really love and my whole life has revolved around sport to some degree or other. So when the opportunity came to organise a race I jumped at the chance.
I am a GP, I spent the first 18 years of my career in the Army and developed an interest in sports medicine. I had hoped one day to be the team doctor for Ipswich town but that ambition slipped by the by as my Army career led me to different destinations that weren’t totally compatible with this ambition (namely Afghanistan, Iraq and N Ireland).
When I left the Forces I settled in Norwich and joined Tri-anglia triathlon club. I soon became fitter as a civvie than I had ever been as a serviceman and started doing long distance triathlons. It was through this that I met my business partner Janice who persuaded me to try ultras. I had done 2 before (Pathfinder march which is an RAF event and Ely ultra) and knew that ultras were a totally different beast to Ironman triathlons and take a certain type of determination to finish that I personally think is above and beyond the effort required for Ironman events.
I thus signed up for the Peddars Way Ultra with Janice. Four years later, with a further 25 ultras behind me (3 of them being 100 milers), I can now confess to being totally addicted to the sport of ultra distance running. I know that I will never be in the mix for the top places but I do know the glow and self satisfaction of finishing an event having battled through self doubt and having to find that extra bit of belief to make it through to the finish.
I also now know what makes a good race and I think I know what athletes want. A friendly race, relatively stress free cut off times, kind marshals, a well marked route, good feed stations, food at the finish, a decent medal and the opportunity to race in some beautiful surroundings.
Myself and Janice will endeavour to make this happen for you by putting athlete experience at the heart of all our events and we hope you enjoy joining us on our journey. This is a new venture for us in tough economic times. It is a leap of faith and I hope you will embrace the opportunity to come and race in Norfolk.
We have some beautiful trails, it's definitely not all flat and boring and you may find yourself addicted to racing just like I did. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Janice Coglin-Hibbert
Rattus rattus, the ultra rat
Janice Coglin-Hibbert
Running is my first love, especially trail running and cross country which are my favourites.
By day I help manage Norfolk's Household waste, by night I teach swimming and coach triathletes.
I discovered triathlon in 2014 after my Dad died and worked up through to Ironman distance. I found long distance running in 2015, going straight to an ultra distance race. My dearest friend Karen got me involved in more ultras in 2018 and I keep going back (often with Karen and Kevin and always with Rattus Rattus, my ultra rat).
I met Kevin through Tri-anglia Triathlon Club after my first long distance triathlon. We train and race together and are as nutty as one another. Always trying out new adventures, trails, ideas and projects. We spend alot of time chatting and thinking of ways to test our boundaries and are always happy to support and encourage others on their journeys. Which is where the idea for Boghopper Races comes from.
We know ultra's pretty well and have experienced many different races and set-up's. We want to showcase how great Norfolk's trails really are, so we set about setting an ultra up: the Weaver's Way, with a choice of 50km or 50miles.
Setting up a new business is far from easy, especially in tough economic times, so already some hard decisions have had to be made. But we aim to look after all of our participants, start to finish; whether you are walking or running, come first or last.
Kevin and I and the rest of the race team will undoubtedly look after you and hope that you have an amazing experience. Ultras are tough and like nothing else but you still come back for more!! We hope you will come and join us on our new (ad)venture soon.
Jan x
Rattus rattus, the ultra rat
Rattus rattus, the ultra rat
Rattus rattus, the ultra rat
Rattus has accompanied us on many adventures across the UK. A faithful and clever rat who has accomplished many a marathon and ultra. Normally you will find him attached to the back of Janice's pack, taking in the scenery.