The Flower of Suffolk is one of those quintessential Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA) events that blend community spirit, challenging terrain, and a “do it at your own pace” ethos. Back in the summer of 1997, my father signed us up for the 26-mile route starting at Framlingham Sports Centre, unaware that we would be crossing plowed fields in sweltering heat and navigating overgrown paths. Little did I know it would also be one of the most laid-back and memorable walking events I would ever experience.
Sunday, July 27, 1997.
The day dawned bright, with temperatures already hinting at a scorcher. By the time I reached Framlingham Sports Centre and pinned on my number, I could feel the day’s heat looming overhead. Spirits were high despite the weather. This was an LDWA event, after all, known for its friendly, no-frills approach. 26 Miles in 8 Hours and 19 Minutes; that was the time on my watch when I finally crossed the finish line. The route took us through a patchwork of plowed fields and overgrown footpaths. Suffolk can be surprisingly scenic.
LDWA events typically provide checkpoint stops with water, snacks, or stamps, sometimes using self-clip points to verify that participants have passed each stage. On this day, though, no one could find the self-clips. In true LDWA style, the general consensus was, “Ah well, we’ll make do,” and off we marched.
After crossing the finish line, I learned a surprising statistic. When the official route markers checked the course two weeks prior, it took them about 10 hours to complete the same 26 miles.
Apparently, the vegetation was even more overgrown then, slowing them down significantly. Lucky for us, while the day was scorching, at least some of the paths had been marginally cleared by the time we came through, although “cleared” was certainly a relative term.
If you have ever joined an LDWA event, you will know that laid back is part of the culture. There is a camaraderie among walkers and runners, an acceptance of all speeds and styles, and a willingness to greet each challenge, whether it be weather, missing clips, or chest-high nettles, with a smile. The Flower of Suffolk definitely lived up to that ethos. No fuss, no hurry, just the satisfaction of putting one foot in front of the other and discovering new corners of the countryside.