|
Booked last year on a whim, I
decided that 2015 was going to be the year that I would delve
into the realm of Ultra Running and having completed The OX four
weeks ago in preparation for the main event I arrived in
Carlisle on Thursday ready to tackle my biggest ever
challenge... 69 miles along Hadrians Wall from Carlisle Castle
to Gateshead Quay.
Billed as the UK's most Iconic Ultra as well as Britain's most do-able Ultra I thought that it would be worth a shot and being a point to point event it appealed to me rather than some of the more common lap type events. Registration was on Friday afternoon in the Castle, and was supposed to include a mandatory kit check.. however this never happened, but we were given out last instructions, a tech t-shirt and some other goodies. I don't like receiving these things before a race as I feel it tempts fate, a bit like footballers not touching a cup before a final, so I didn't even take the t-shirt out of it's packet!! Saturday morning, myself and lots of other mental people dropped our kit bags and halfway drop bags at the baggage buses and then made our way nervously into the Castle grounds. The weather was ideal, there was light drizzle and it was overcast, however it wasn't cold and there was little if any wind. After a pre race safety briefing we were finally off at 07:01 and the prospect of 69 miles through Hadrians Wall country awaited us. The route was fully way marked and signposted so there was no need for navigation, hence you could relax and enjoy the scenery of this excellent and smoothly run event. The event is split into 5 stages, the first of these was a relatively flat stage (only 250m of climb) of 15 miles out towards Lanercost. Starting along the river, we headed gradually out of Carlisle and into the countryside on a variety of road and trail, whilst negotiating the odd herd of cows. Some runners went off like absolute loonies, without it seemed any thought to pacing themselves, however again with advice from those far more experienced than me ringing in my ears I settled into a comfy pace with a group of chaps and we chatted away for a few miles. As the inclines of the stage began to appear I pulled away and began the task of lonely running. Each stage has checkpoints with sweets and water on, and then at the end of each stage was a (themed) checkpoint where your chip gets registered, you can restock your bladders and bottles and grab some food. The second stage was were the fun was to begin as this was a hilly (520m climb) 17 mile route towards the Roman Fort of Vindolanda and the half way point of the race where your drop bag was accessible. Again a mixture of road and trail awaited, and although there were a couple of tough climbs, they were runnable and the views that awaited you at the top of the Plateau were absolutely amazing, with Scotland one side and England the other you could see for miles. The crags and Fells of Northumberland made this stage picturesque and you forgot about how far you had to go and just got lost in the scenery. Crossing fields and styles in wet conditions made for trick footing in places and there was the need to navigate a multitude of cowpats as well. The joys of the countryside. Being a longer stage there were two checkpints, one at the fabulous Wallsend Crags.. you don't have to climb them, but running alongside them was amazing. You also passed several Roman Forts and Museums even occasionally seeing sections of the Wall itself. After some tough challenges the stage finished at Vindolanda where my Dad and unbeknownst to me my Brother and nephew were waiting to cheer me on!! The stop was a chance to refuel and re stock. There was hot soup available, rolls, cakes, and other sweet things.. however I grabbed a roll and a bit of cake, refilled my water, restocked my gels and then headed off for stage 3. Stage 3 was another scenic stage, although mostly on road with some trails across the top of the plateau, but having dropped down to Vindolanda you had to climb back out to the summit. I used this time to walk and eat with the competitor in front of me and then once I was ready set off running again. Pacing was going according to plan and the body was holding together, however tired legs were started to be tested on any climb and as the day warmed up fueling and hydrating became more and more important! Once again you were distracted by the countryside though and as long as you don't mind tree lined roads you'd enjoy this course on this 13 mile stage, knowing once you reached the checkpoint the worst hills were out of the way.. I had gradually moved into 2nd place now in the event and now the focus was on one foot in front of the other, resting as needed with small walk breaks as I drank fluids and making the next pit stop where my family were once again waiting. As I arrived in Hexham 7 mins behind the leader I was told he was struggling (which i didn't believe) however I grabbed some much needed 'Rock Road' and a Banana and set off again knowing that there were only 24 miles left to go. Stage 4 was another long one at 17 miles, and it was road heavy. You passed through several villages and traversed lots of quiet country lanes. It was during this stage that things began to get tough as I had now been on my own for nearing 18 miles and the mental battle began as I knew I wasn't seeing family until the finish line. The legs were tired and I walked up a hill to conserve energy, but just as I was reaching my lowest point I turned a corner and in the distance saw a flash of orange. Double taking I realised it was the leader... I had closed the gap even though I thought I was struggling. It was the carrot that I needed and spurred me on. I gradually began to close in and with every hill he struggled more and i caught him, finally passing him with 16 miles to go. I was now the carrot that was being dangled so I dug deep and began to pull away. Newburn was the last Pit Stop and I knew if I could build a gap as the last stage was a flat 7 miles into Gateshead I had a good chance of winning. Looking at my watch I also knew that I was on for breaking 10 hours and becoming the 1st person to do so. The last few miles of the stage were tough though a you ran along Tyneside Countrypark (much like route 51) and you longed for a change of scenery.. however many locals gave me great encouragement. The PIt stop arrived and the Marshall refilled my water bottles, I grabbed a banana and a Milky Way (not the best), and set off again. It was now a race to the finish, and a battle of wills between me and my legs. I pushed as hard as I could as I entered Newcastle, passing the Tyne Bridge and then descending onto the Quayside. With four miles to go a Marshall jumped out of his car and told me I was on for under 10 hours.. and that the second place was 4-6 minutes behind me... (he turned out to be 9 mins back) however that helped and I decided I was only stopping if I collapsed. Running along the Quayside took what seemed like forever, but eventually the Millennium came into sight and I knew I was there. I had to dodge lots of pedestrians, and runners going the other way, but nothing was going to deny me. A sign with a mile to go spurred me on 'saying there is 1 mile between you and legendary status'... it was what I needed. Coming over the bridge I saw my family and I crossed the line in a remarkable time shaving 26 mins and 58 secs off the previous course record and winning my first Ultra. My nephew was so excited he filmed the crowd and the floor whilst jumping up and down as I crossed the finish line!! It was an excellent event, well organised and smoothly run. The route was picturesque and challenging at times, however it isn't a pure trail race so those who aren't fans of road running may not like it. The Pit Stops had plenty of treats and food to refuel but it was disappointing to only get a Curly Wurly when you crossed the finish line. Could of done with a little more choice after 69 miles (111km).... The atmosphere at the end was excellent though and If you are thinking of stepping up to a big distance then I would certainly recommend the event. Ian
|
||||||
