Last updated: 25-Oct-18
By Luke Jarmey
We’re pleased to announce our top 10 reviews for March. So congratulations to Daniel Stinton who will receive a pack of 33Shake Chia Energy Gels.
Wendover Woods 50 – England, UK
Reading a quote from Douglas Adams’ The Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy at the start of Daniel’s review, we knew we were in for a treat. However, this was just a preface to a beautifully crafted and thoroughly engaging account of his Wendover Woods 50 experience. Top stuff Daniel! Read it here.
In no particular order, here’s our remaining 9 top reviews for March.
Peak District Challenge – England, UK
Well Daniel’s first review certainly wasn’t a fluke, as he throws out another sensational account; this time of the Peak District Challenge. Containing a healthy dose of rain and delicious portion of post-race curry, this is a must read for any prospective racers. Read it here.
Ultra Trail Barcelona – Spain
Paul Kelly (@UltraBoyRuns) pens a brilliant review of ‘an easy to reach, tough as old boots Ultra in nearby Europe’. Unfortunately, he had to DNF the Ultra Trail Barcelona due to some technical problems with his head torch, but this does nothing to dampen his enthusiasm for the event. Here’s his review.
Transgrancanaria – Spain
John Ryan (@ultraventure) delivers a concise appraisal of the famous Transgrancanaria. Acknowledging a few race eccentricities, he praises the beauty of the trail and top checkpoint support. Read his review.
Kristian Morgan’s review may not be short and concise, but boy is this a cracker. A thorough stage-by-stage analysis that reads, as the best reviews tend to do, almost like a story. If you have any designs on the TGC, do yourself a favour and really give this review some mileage.
Wuthering Hike – England, UK
We often pick races from organisers that we’ve had a great experience with in the past. This is exactly what Johnny Logan (@Dunsrunner) did with the Wuthering Hike and from his review, he certainly wasn’t disappointed. Highlighting the fantastic organisation, marshalling and ‘the beautiful people who poured my tea at the end’, there seems a lot to like in this event. Read it here.
Well it wasn’t just tea that was being poured at this race. Sarah Cooke (@SarahCrunning)
notes in her fantastic review, that ‘Whiskey at one of the checkpoints is a great touch, although I didn’t risk it!’. Furthermore, she praises the technical nature of the course and the low-key organisation. This won’t be every runner’s cup of tea, but to us it sounds like some of the constituents of what a proper fell race should be. Here’s her review.
The Coastal Challenge – Costa Rica
Definitely on the list of many runners’ dream races, The Coastal Challenge is a tough, multi-day ultra, set amongst the stunning jungle and coast line of Costa Rica. Andy Heath notes that ‘there was always an intimacy about the event, best measured at the end of each day when elite runners and journeymen mingled freely exchanging experiences, encouragement and advice.’ It’s the less tangible elements such as this, that often go a long way to ensuring an unforgettable racing experience. Read the review.
The New Forest Festival of Running – England, UK
This was Richard Bridgewater’s (@Squidge2406) first Ultra and by the sounds of it, he’ll be back for more. Stating how the race was ‘well organised, super friendly and well signposted’, with the all-important pub next door to the finish. The New Forest Festival seems to have all the ingredients of an ideal debutant race. Read his review.
The Welcome Ultra – England, UK
Simon Bourke (@Simon_Bourke) kicks off his review with ‘After a week of near relentless rain, and a misty early morning, the weather broke and crisp and sunny day provided near perfect conditions: from the ankle up.’ Well the muddy conditions of the Welcome Ultra didn’t affect his view of the race and its excellent organisation. And ‘the hot bath to soak off the mud’ at the end sounds like a great addition. This is his review.
