By Luke Jarmey
We’re pleased to announce our top reviews for October. So, congratulations to Helen Pickford (@runpeaks). Who will receive a pack of 33Shake Chia Energy Gels.
The Limestone Way – England, UK
A relatively new race on the UK ultra circuit, The Limestone Way deserved a thorough review and Helen certainly delivered that. Starting off her report as an interesting tick box list of sorts, she quickly dives into an incredibly detailed analysis of the race route. An excellent review and a great sounding race.
‘It’s a ‘journey’ rather than just a ‘run route’, point to point. I like ‘journeys’ rather than just ‘run races’. Tick’
‘The route between Bonsall and the next checkpoint at Monyash was a plethora of sloppy fields, muddy trails, charming but sometimes tricky ascents and descents, and pleasant forestry trails.’
10 Peaks Brecon Beacons – Wales, UK
A favourite with race reviewers, the 10 Peaks Brecon Beacons get another positive report, this time from Graeme Hughes.
‘Registration was the most efficient I’ve been through, hand in photo ID, have your photo taken, kit check, numbers issued, GPS tracker strapped to bag, collect t-shirt and you are done, all in just a few minutes.’
If you like lots of hard vertical, this certainly sounds like the ultra for you.
‘This is a really tough event. Straight away you are into a fairly meaty climb up to Carn Pica (doesn’t even count towards one of your 10 peaks!).’
Gower Ultra 50 – Wales, UK
‘If you have never been to the Gower, go for a visit. It’s stunning. But if you love to run and want to see the best bits of this area of outstanding natural beauty, do this event!’
A cracking review opener of the Gower Ultra 50 from Richard Bowen of an a ultra in a particularly beautiful part of the country. We loved his line about the sand dune at the end… cruel indeed.
‘Physically within 300 metres of the finish line you are turned in another direction by the route to climb a 1km sand dune! This was a cruel and unusual torture this late on but it all adds to the kudos in my book…’
Rhodes Run – South Africa
South Africa, snow, ultra running and sherry. An eclectic mix if ever we heard of one…
‘And after the huge climb up Mavis Bank, you reach a well-stocked feed station that even has sherry for those suffering from the cold.’
Read the rest of Janine Boshoff’s Rhodes Run review to find out more.
Four Passes – England, UK
A concise and informative review of the Four Passes in the Lake District by Johnny Logan (@Dunsrunner). We particularly like the sound of this cheese and pickle sandwich medal swap option at the end.
‘I happened to express my liking for cheese and pickle sandwiches to Jeff (maybe more than once!). When I finished, he didn’t give me a medal but a cheese and pickle sandwich! True class.’
The High Life Ultra – England, UK
Simon Bourke (@Simon_Bourke) has to be one of our most prolific reviewers and each and every one is an absolute cracker. Well, his report of The High Life Ultra doesn’t disappoint. Well written and filled to the brim with juicy information, it’s a must read for anyone with an interest in this race.
‘This race is not for the faint hearted, it’s a proper challenge with a fellow competitor stating, (via the excellent Punk Panther Facebook Group page), that it was definitely harder than the Hardmoors.’
‘The next 9 miles were the hardest of the race, with a steady ascent through farmland paths to the edge of the Moor and then a steep climb to the summit to conclude over 1000ft of climbing.’
GUTS Ultra – England, UK
A fair and balanced appraisal of the GUTS Ultra by Ben Whitfield. We particularly like the finish line treat…
‘With a couple of little additions it would be a perfect ultra for any ultra runner or anybody looking to compete their first ultra. 10% off in the pub at the finish was also a great touch 🙂 🙂’
Tromso Skyrace – Norway
As Kilian Jornet and Emelie Forsberg’s personally organised event, the Tromso Skyrace has a fantastic reputation which is echoed in Aude Le Gorec’s review.
‘About the race itself: a fantastic blend of stunning landscapes, technical paths, rolling grasslands, rocky summit, and muddy tracks.’
‘I must say the race was rather super well organized: the trail was well tracked, the difficulty of the terrain met all expectations, the landscapes were breath-taking, and the atmosphere was so friendly!’
The South Downs Way – Devil’s Challenge – England, UK
A wonderful review from Shaun Marsden (@SpontaneousPlan) about a new race on the UK calendar, The South Downs Way – Devil’s Challenge. Solid organisation can really make or break an ultra and by the sounds of Shaun’s review, XNRG have really nailed it.
‘XNRG races are well marked, have great check points at regular intervals and always have a great vibe to them.’
‘A really great weekend of running topped off with a cracking finish along the Seven Sisters.’
Swissalpine – Switzerland
A big and intriguing claim from Catullus at the start of their Swissalpine review…
‘I did the UTMB this year and the CCC race a few years ago but I have to say that, for stunning scenery, the beauty of being alone in the mountains for longish periods (rather than surrounded for the most part by hundreds of runners as in the UTMB races), this race wins hands down.’
…where do we sign up!?
