Last updated: 21-Jan-19
We’re pleased to announce our top reviews for December. So congratulations to Tim Woodier who will receive a pack of 33Shake Chia Energy Gels and a signed Kilian Jornet Summits of My Life Book.
Tenerife Bluetrail
‘Ahead now, I see a woman running in a dress, a traditional South American looking dress, must be a supporter of some sort I assume. I notice she wears a Salomon running pack though, she can’t possibly be running this race, can she?’
Our top review this month comes from Tim with a mammoth but thoroughly marvelous account of the Tenerife Bluetrail. Devilishly detailed and utterly immersing, this is a must read for anyone remotely interested in the race.
‘My spirits are high as I settle in to a sustained climb. “Ohh na na what’s my name”, shut up Rhianna I have work to do. I toil with poles up a steep ascent. The path is very narrow and the ground underfoot is volcanic gravel, similar to the conditions underfoot at the start of Transvulcania in La Palma, should I have worn gaiters I wonder?’
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In no particular order, here’s our remaining top reviews for December.
100KM of Namib Desert
‘Wow. It’s a race you will NEVER forget and like me, will want to do it Year after Year. To have wildlife along side of you is wonderful. The Scenery is breathtaking. The night sky will blow you away. Colours change, what was beautiful during the day, changes into something perfect.’
Quite the accolade from Kenwynne Barber for a thorough exotic ultra in the Namib Desert.
‘As always Zitoway and their team give you Farewell B.B.Q. in the Bush–another WOW! At the finish, everyone gets a T/Shirt and medal. It couldn’t get any better. (Unless it went on forever).’
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PHD Wafer Down K Series Trousers
Well Bob Phillips certainly agrees with Alice’s glowing assessment of the PHD Wafer Down K series Trousers.
‘I LOVE THEM! Living in the NW of Scotland means they get plenty of outings on my winter backpacks around the area, the Torridons to Fisherfield to Assynt and all points north.’
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Inov-8 TerraUltra G 260
We loved the Inov-8 TerraUltra G 260 and awarded it our 5 star recommend badge. It’s always interesting to hear other runners thoughts and here Pete Morgan actually preferred the non graphene version.
‘Having tried the graphene version of these shoes, and finding the kevlar overlays just too heavy duty and restrictive, I opted for the non-G version and really like them.’
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Foxtrail Series
‘It was well organised and the parking was good. The route was entirely runnable if muddy in places (but we all like mud).’
Lap based ultra’s such as the Foxtrail aren’t to everyone’s taste. But to many runners, such as Johnny Logan they certainly offer a mental challenge that is highly appealing. Oh and yes we do LOVE mud!
‘One obvious advantage of this style of race is that you pass through the checkpoint every lap and so can top up water etc, change clothing or footwear if required. A possible disadvantage is that laps can play with your mind. Personally I thrive on this and as I passed a certain point again and again my resolve grew.’
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Round Pen Llyn Ultra
‘This is NO contrived ultra – the line it takes is natural and compelling. Simply put, you will have no dull moments. The scenery is drop-dead gorgeous the whole way.’
Phil Brynmaen paints a tantalising picture of first class atmosphere and stunning welsh coastal views on the Round Pen Llyn Ultra. Sign us up.
‘This is an event created and run by local runners. It embraces the local Welsh-speaking community while reaching out to all.’
‘If you like fabulous coastal scenery and can handle the ups and downs then you won’t find a better ultra.’
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Peak District South To North
‘Day 1 starts with an easy and fast 30k on old railway lines and lanes followed by some ankle-challenging rocky woodland and then a bit of open hill country through to Mam Tor and a sharp drop to the finish in Edale. Pizza at the finish and plenty of places to stay in Edale.’
If you’re looking for a solid introduction to multi day racing and you like pizza… well give Chris’s review of the Peak District South to North a read.
‘Day 2 follows the Pennine Way to Marsden, so more elevation, more time relatively high up and more technical ground, but only a very few properly steep climbs, so almost all runnable. Pizza at the finish.’
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