Last updated: 11-Mar-19
By Luke Jarmey
We’re pleased to announce our top reviews for February. So congratulations to Jesper Lidstrom who will receive a pack of 33Shake Chia Energy Gels.
Monduber Ultra Trail
Jesper Lidstrom’s review gets the top spot for February with a fantastic account of the Monduber Ultra Trail. Laid out in really easy to read sections, this certainly sounds like an inviting race.
‘The single tracks were truly some of the best I’ve run on with breath-taking scenery (lots of photo opportunities) and the smells of the local fauna was like a kitchen garden with sage, oregano and wild garlic.’
‘European trail etiquette on single tracks – Shout “Pardon!” That got people to step aside. However, I must say it was a really good vibe on the track and people genuinely looked out for each other.’
Read more here.
In no particular orders, here’s our remaining top reviews for February:
HURT 100 Mile Endurance Run
‘2019-A year ago I witnessed my husband, Dion; tackle ,suffer and ultimately complete the HURT 100 where in the days after this accomplishment he said to me in all honesty “I don’t think you could finish this race”.’
Well if that’s not reason enough to enter a race, we don’t know what is. The caveat here is that the HURT 100 is one of the toughest races on the calendar with a 50-70% drop out rate. Read the rest of Lucja Leonard’s review and link to her blog post to find out just how tough it really is!
Dead Sea Marathon
If starting a race below sea level appeals to you, we suggest you give Shane Smith’s excellent review of the Dead Sea Marathon a good read.
‘The area is quite simply stunning, 400m below sea level, surrounded by the dramatic looking Judean mountain range the location was picture perfect in every direction.’
‘I absolutely loved this event due to the scenery, location (which is reported to be in decline so fast it will be gone in 30 years), friendliness of locals and staff and the fact that I had never faced the challenge of running towards the distant horizon and having to battle my mind so much.’
Read more here.
Inov-8 Race Ultrashell HZ Jacket
Another take on the Inov-8 Race Ultrashell HZ Jacket from Eryri Runner.
‘It is a good bit of kit yes, but if heading into the mountains with rain 50/50 forecast, (especially here in the UK!) then take a heavier duty one too.’
Read more here.
Lakeland 50
It sounds like Amanda Seims really rates the Lakeland 50 as a first time ultra with great scenery and organisation.
‘It’s hilly enough to be interesting but the climbs are quite condensed, making most of the terrain fairly runnable. It’s in the lake district so of course the scenery is spectacular.’
If this tickles your fancy, you better be quick with your entry…
‘Because of all these things it is incredibly hard to get a place – entries sell out within a couple of minutes but if you’re unsuccessful you can try and marshal which will give you free entry to the event the year after.’
Read more here.
Transgrancanaria
Jodie Gauld lays out an impressively detailed and well structured review of the Transgrancanaria. Seems the scenery wasn’t half bad…
‘Wow! The island is really stunning. No offence but the seaside resorts are tacky and bad representations of such an amazing island. You cover all sorts of terrains and have such gorgeous views. Such as sub-tropical jungles, woodlands, sandy trails, technical boulders to manoeuvre, wet grounds, volcanic rocks.’
Read the rest here.
Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Sadie Kemp offers her take on the Hoka One One Speedgoat 2 and where it suited and didn’t suit her on different types of terrain.
‘I was excited to try the Speedgoat as I run and race quite alot in the hills. I find them reasonably comfortable and great for cushion on the downhill sections.’
‘The problem occurs when traversing terrain with a side camber. I find the height of the foot above the ground means alot of pressure on the ankle and more likelihood of twisting the ankle.’
Read more here.
Inov-8 AT/C Protec-Shell
Stuart Wilkes gives a balanced view of the Inov-8 AT/C Protec-Shell.
‘When you need to batten down the hatches this jacket is bombproof but sort the zip please it’s just not practical unless zipped up fully.’
Read more here.
