Hermes Egham, specifically the Hermes Magna Carta depot in Egham, Surrey, has become a familiar landmark for many runners, particularly those participating in the Magna Carta Spring running series. For years, the depot, nestled within the historical landscape of Runnymede, has served as a crucial point on numerous race routes, its presence almost as constant as the wind whispering through the ancient trees. This article explores the experience of running in and around the Hermes Egham facility, focusing on the unique perspective of a runner who has witnessed its role in the Magna Carta Spring and beyond.
My own relationship with Hermes Egham began several years ago. I first encountered it as a seemingly innocuous point on the map, a marker indicating a turn or a water station during a Magna Carta Spring race. Back then, the Saturn running events company was the dominant force, their branding synonymous with the vibrant energy of the spring races. The routes, meticulously planned, often weaved through picturesque countryside, utilizing the existing infrastructure – including the Hermes depot – to their advantage. The memory of those runs is a blur of exertion and exhilaration, punctuated by the occasional glimpse of the Hermes vans, their familiar livery a constant reminder of the wider world outside the runner's bubble of focused effort.
The route itself varied from year to year, but certain features remained consistent. The initial stages often involved a relatively flat section, designed to warm up the runners' muscles and allow for a steady build-up of pace. This would frequently lead towards the Hermes Egham facility, sometimes incorporating a loop around the depot itself, or possibly using it as a strategic turning point. The exact nature of the route's interaction with the Hermes site depended on the specific race and its overall distance. Some years, it was a fleeting encounter; a mere glance at the building as we sped past. Other years, it served as a more significant feature, possibly incorporating a longer stretch alongside its perimeter or even utilizing its car park for a temporary water station. The variation kept the races fresh and exciting, preventing the routes from becoming predictable and stale.
The feeling of running past Hermes Egham under the Saturn banner was one of familiarity and comfort. The Saturn events were exceptionally well-organized, and the routes felt safe and well-marked. The presence of the Hermes depot was simply a part of the landscape, a non-intrusive element of the overall race experience. It was a background feature, much like the trees lining the paths or the distant hills rolling in the background. The focus, of course, was on the race itself, the camaraderie of fellow runners, and the personal challenge of completing the course.
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