Written by James Jack Kassapian - http://2015mds.blogspot.co.uk

The Event

To basically steal a lot from the Round Ripon Ultra website, the race is,

"one of the few Northern Ultras East of the Pennines which combines a relaxed village start, well stocked checkpoints, stunning scenery, free refreshments and a testing 35 mile run for an individual runner.The course takes a circular route following the northern section of the Ripon Rowel providing a very scenic 35 mile route which includes a world heritage site, pretty Yorkshire villages, woodland tracks & open moorland, with a wonderful downhill run through Studley Royal deer park and back into Studley Roger. "

The Plan 

This was to be my first ultrarun done as a part of the training Marathon Des Sables. I had earlier this year done the first half of The Wall Run (my first ever DNF, a story for another day) a distance of about 50km but that was with someone else and had been 'run' at a very slow pace. (I'd completed the Wall Run back in 2012) The intention was to use the Round Ripon Ultra as a  distance test event to see how the training was working out. When I was put together the Training Plan for the MdS I realised that the more organised events I could do as a part of the training the better. An organised event means that a) I've paid to do it so I'd bloody better well do it rather than put it off until another day and b) takes the pressure off myself for getting the route details and support arranged. This was one of the first events I booked mainly because it very close to where I live and work during the week. Unfortunately it came slightly earlier in my training schedule than I would have ideally wanted but such is life. To that end I came up with a plan to take it nice and slowly. I was going to try and run it, aiming to complete the 35 miles course in under seven and half hours, or an average pace of around 7.5 kph. To that end I worked out the following crib sheet for the day, so I could know if I was behind or ahead of schedule.

Yes, my hand writing really is this bad

There were 4 checkpoints on the route. The times in green were the times I had to be at the checkpoints by in order to have a quick break before moving on with the run, if I was to complete it in the race organisers allotted 10 hours. Next to the times in green were the overall distance a given Checkpoint was at. The bold number in black was the average speed I wanted to keep over all at a given part of the race to make my 7.5 hour goal, with the time in red being the time I wanted to get to a given checkpoint to keep up with that goal. The race started at 0900 and I had to be finished one way or the other by 1900. So much then for the plan.

The Event

Just before the briefing in the village hall.

There was a quick pre race briefing, apparently the course was a lot dryer than in previous years, and then we were outside for the off.

The Start Line

The run to Checkpoint 1 was about 12km and went quickly. The route was out through Ripon and then up along the river, mainly along hard track. The organisers had provided us all with some nice High Definition print outs of the route, in a 10 page booklet, as well as some route notes. They had also produced a GPX file which I downloaded to my watch (the Sunnto Ambit 2) which gave me an arrow and a black line to follow. This made my life an  awful lot easier than those who were just following the maps. Though the maps were great I had the major advantage of being able to just look at my wrist and know which way I had to go. (Great as this is, its awful preparation for the OMM at the end of this month where all GPS equipment is banned.) The weather improved throughout this first leg with the rain all but stopping, however I decided to keep my jacket on for a bit to keep the wind off. I got to the first checkpoint in good order, grabbed a bite of the famous Go Beyond Fruitcake and pushed on for the next leg. (Throughout the race the checkpoint staff were all friendly encouraging and helpful)

Checkpoint One Selfie. Note the jacket is still on.

About half way to the second checkpoint I thought it was probably about time I took my jacket off. I had left this far too long. Under the jacket I was completely soaked in sweat. (To the extent I actually checked my water bottles to make sure I didn't have a leak.) Though not a disaster on what turned out to be a mild day if the weather had been much worse a bigger wind chill factor could have really messed me up at this point. As it was within half an hour I had dried up and none the worse for wear. This frankly amateur error by myself is fairly inexcusable. I know how the layering system works and I know what I need to do to keep it working. The only defence I will put up is that I had thought that the jacket was a lot more breathable than it turned out to be. The actual route for the second stage was really very pretty. Running through the woodland trail on the way up to Masham was lovely (though would have been much harder work if the paths had been a bit more muddy.)

A view halfway through Stage 2.

I pushed through the 2nd Checkpoint as quickly as possible, knowing that Checkpoint 3 was the lunch stop. This was the shortest of the legs, around 7km and was made up of mainly farmers paths and road. The stop at Checkpoint 3 I tried to keep as short as possible, stuffing down a few pork pies and sausage rolls and from there ran down the hill which kicked off the 4th stage. At this point I was well ahead of my target time of 7 hours 30 min. It was also at this stage I started to have a few foot issues. After about 2km of stage 4 I knew that the hotspot on the back if my right foot had to be looked at (having stupidly ignored it for the past 5km or so). The skin was just starting to rub but hadn't yet blistered, so I rubbed on some body glide to the spot and swopped from Sealskinz to normal compression socks. I kept on the injinji inners. When I started running again the rubbing had gone away and I pressed on. It was about now I teamed up with Chris and Paul who were to run with me for pretty much the rest of the route. They benefited from the fact I had a GPS watch on and knew where I was going, I benefited from the fact they kept me running at points when I probably otherwise would have walked or walked far slower than I did.

Stage 4 Landscape

The route was definitely out in the moors for this stage and navigation without the GPS was hard. (At one stage I decided I couldn't keep up with Paul and Chris so told them to push on without me. They ran off, I walked and promptly caught up with them 20 min later after they had taken a slight 'detour.') The scenery though was spectacular. By the time I got to the final checkpoint with just 11km to go I was tired but still feeling OK. (And just about on for a seven hour finish)

The final leg was stunning, ending up running through Studley Park (where Deer literally ran out in front of us)  and all nicely downhill (Paul who had been promising us a downhill finish since about 35km in was very happy with this!) to the end. (The sun had also come out by this point, it turned out leaving my sunglasses in the car was a mistake.) The finish line was quiet (it was a field of about 100 runners so not that surprising) but again well staffed with tea/coffee and more fruit cake freely available.

The Finish Line

Conclusion

The laminated map. Phallic Symbol removed.

Written by Digby Ellis-Brecknell - www.hareandtortoiseevents.co.uk

The count down for Round The Rock 2014 had completed its course once again, 2nd August at 6am, a field of 70 ultra runners and 7 relay runners toeing the line, ready to tread the 48 mile coastline of Jersey. As with all races and especially ultras, last minute aches and pains had taken their toll leaving a number of runners unable to run.
The weather had thankfully cooled from the previous week’s high temperatures and with a hint of rain in the air, waiting runners were forced to wear jackets. No doubt some were wishing that they had remained in their warm beds! As race director I took my position on the start line armed with watch and starting horn, which as usual failed to make any particularly spectacular sound and nor did the steam clock let off its promised whistle or bell. The 5th anniversary race in 2015 will be started with an audible sound, possibly a sauce pan and wooden spoon or a shot gun!
The field sped away around the harbour, keeping the water on the right, a navigational tactic that ensures you will run in the right direction. Bruno Francisco had as anticipated taken a swift lead, determined to complete the route in under 6 hours and so win £2000, closely followed by James Manners. James had decided to take on a “do or die” approach and was planning to chase Bruno to the bitter end or be left in a heap on some cliff path or sandy beach. Bruno’s mission was a heroic one; this new prize had been offered following Daniel Doherty’s record setting time of 6hours 15 minutes in 2011,which he had equalled on a second attempt in 2012. Daniel felt that 6 hours was an achievable time hence this new temptation to sweeten the victory.
With my work complete at the start line I left for the first check point at St. Catherine’s with my trusty helpers Annette and Fletcher. The drive along the coast line is always pleasurable as I am able to pass the field of runners whilst shouting out suitable encouraging or discouraging words; race director’s privileges!
The anticipation in waiting for the sighting of the first runner is always like waiting for the first guest to arrive at a party, concerns over route marking start to nag one’s brain even though you know it is perfect. I was expecting Bruno to arrive between 1 hour 5 minutes and 10 minutes, like clock work he glided past at 7:07am with James only a minute adrift. An unknown shape made his way past at 7:15, David Smithers from the UK, looking comfortable, a possible contender for the podium. By the time the clock had reached the 1 hour 23 minutes the first three ladies had appeared in the shape of Rebecca Bowdler, Leanne Rive and Rebecca Mingo.

The last runner through at 1hr 55minutes, five minutes clear of the cut off time was Harry McAlinden. He was clearly not feeling at his best, but knowing his determination I knew that despite recent injuries at the recent West Highlands Way, my running partner would not stop and so with a manly hug I let him continue towards the awaiting cliff paths.

With the first section clear I made my way towards the La Fontaine Check point (22 mile), offload supplies and drop bags. All the relevant crews were in place and so with some last minute instructions, we awaited the first runners. Bruno was not planning on disappointing us or giving us time to relax as at 8:36 he decided it was time to make an appearance some 4 minutes ahead of Daniel Doherty’s record time. Bruno looked comfortable and at that pace the Round The Rock wallet might be looking a lot lighter before the day had finished. James had dropped back into third, allowing David to take position behind the leader.

The La Fontaine check point mercifully appears after one of the tougher stretches of cliff paths, Bouley Bay to Bonne Nuit. Often the early fast pace on the road catches up and runners start to feel the strain, so reaching this point is a psychological milestone and likewise for many it is the point that they call it a day. The day saw seven runners retiring and all were during this difficult North Coast stage, most notably was James Manners who had pushed so hard now found that his quads were simply not allowing him to continue and sadly he limped to my van to await a lift. The following hours kept me distanced from the runners, but reports floated through as each check point saw the sweepers and last runners drift through. It was clear however that Bruno was still powering his way around the island and he was in fact ahead of his schedule by some 10 minutes at Grosnez, the 30 mile check point. Scott Harris had crept his way up through the field after a tentative start and was lying in third place behind David. Rebecca Bowdler had managed to distance herself from Leanne with a comfortable 15 minute advantage and 30 minute over 3rd placed Rebecca Mingo. At the Beauport checkpoint we awaited news of the field, with updates from Les Fontaines and clearance that all runners were accounted for and all could be cleared.

Being a coastal route there are sections that depending on the tidal conditions can be shortened and Bruno was making his way above the sands at St Ouen Bay, along the Five Mile Road, a flat gravel section that for later runners could be reduced by approximately a mile if they chose the beach. Alas, for Bruno no such choice could be taken and the same would be true along St Brelade’s Bay and St Aubin. Bruno reached the Beauport checkpoint, having lost ground and in his own words was finding it hard going, but he paused for only enough time to refuel before heading off on the trail towards St. Brelade’s Bay and the headland over to Ouaisne and the final steep cliff path ascent; The tide still too high to allow access to the faster route across the
beach.

With the lead runners within 10 miles of the finish, the runners at the back of the field were making their way across the headlands of Grosnez. A stunning section of imposing granite sea cliffs, ruined fortifications from times past and swathes of purple heather. My only concern that with 30 miles on the clock runners might not get to appreciate the sheer beauty of that 2 mile cliff top section! The main field would be stretched out across St Ouen’s Bay either on the road side trail, sea side promenade or possibly on the sands depending on the state of the tide.

At the finish line the timing clock slowly counted its seconds and it was clear that the elusive 6 hour mark was to remain out of reach for another year. The final miles had gradually taken their toll on Bruno’s incredible run and he sprinted into view at 6:23:55 a new record by a local runner. Bruno no doubt will spend the next 365 days training hard on the Jersey trails to find that missing 23 minutes and 55 seconds. Bruno’s incredible performance was or the more so impressive when one takes into consideration that this was his first trail ultra. Likewise David’s second place time of 6 hours 42 minutes was phenomenal as this was his first time racing an ultra and I am sure that a return visit for the 5th anniversary might produce improved times. Scott Harris was only 4 minutes adrift of David marking a colossal improvement on his 2013 time of 7:37 almost enough to claim the award for most improved runner, an honour that was taken by Shaun Marsden. You can read Scott’s write up at http://runninganimo.com/2014/08/06/round-the-rock-14-race-report/
The first 10 runners crossed the line within 8 hours gaining their gold medals for sub 8 hour finishes. The first of the ladies arrived in 11th place and so starting the silver medal category for sub 10 hour runners. Rebecca Bowdler retained her leading position, but Leanne’s customary steady pace gradually allowed her to reel in her opponent ; with an initial 14 minute advantage at Gronez, which dropped to ten minutes at Beauport and by the time the finish line was reached Rebecca’s lead had reduced to 2 minutes 22 seconds. Rebecca claimed the honours of first lady in a time of 8:03:04, Leanne Rive 8:05:26 and in third was Rebecca Mingo 8:23:23.

The first of the 7 relay teams, Coastbusters, celebrated their win with a finish time of 6:27:53, followed by New Kids On The Block 7:00:47.
Mention of Paul Burrow’s phenomenal performance must be included in this report, his overall time of 10:18:51, although not his best performance to date, marked the first of 7 consecutive Round The Rock’s which he achieved over the subsequent days. Paul’s daily 48 mile ultra which at a total of 337 miles is a gargantuan achievement, but is surpassed by the incredible amounts he has raised to support Hospice. Please go to Paul’s RoundTheRockX7 facebook page. Well done Paul!

The final runners, Tim Worsely and Tim Guest, claimed the sub 12 hour bronze medal crossing the line with almost 25 minutes to spare. This marked a massive improvement for Tim Guest as he had been caught out in 2013 and crossed the line after the 12 hour mark. The final runner of the day to cross the line, Stuart Syvret, although not gaining his bronze medal, completed the route in 13 hours and 33 minutes. The finishing line had been dismantled by this point and all runners had retired to the nearby Radisson Blu for food, drink and presentations, forcing Stuart with the accompanying sweeper Jon Press, to run a further 200 metres to the terrace itself and a large glass of wine amidst loud applause. Stuart’s run with the assistance of Jon, demonstrate in my mind, the real ultra spirit that make this sport special.

So, a huge thanks to all the runners and marshals who made Round The Rock a successful event. With the date set for 1st August 2015, the planning has started to ensure that our 5th Anniversary will be a race to remember.

Written by Steve Hayes - https://stevedavidhayes.wordpress.com

With Round the Rock being my one and only local Ultramarathon and being an ultramarathon runner it makes sense that this race features on my calendar almost every year since its inception in 2011. I, like most other local runners are very passionate about this stunning race and sing it’s praises regularly when overseas doing other races. It’s for that reason that I’ve written this, to spread the word about an awesome event on a stunning island just thirty minutes away from central London with great air links from all corners of the UK and further afield. There’s no excuses not to have a go and at 48 miles it’s a great introduction to Ultra running.

As this is about the fourth time of me running it and as virtually all my training for other races is done on various parts of the course, I won’t go into all the bits of detail. I usually only write these reports due to my failing memory but I don’t need to do that on this occasion, I can just go back out and run the bits I’d forgotten about.

RTR usually takes place on the first Saturday of August or thereabouts which is mid summer and can be quite a warm race but it’s not uncommon for us to experience very swift changes in the weather being such a small island.

The briefing takes place the night before at a fancy four star hotel central to everywhere and close to the race start and finish. It’s thorough and quirky with a real “small race vibe” although it has great otential to grow. The arrival of stars such as Steve Way and Paul Martelletti are helping to put the race on the map along with excellent financial rewards for the top runners. Steve and Paul took away £2000 last year for finishing in less than 6 hours. Paul went on to beat his record this year and finished in 5:42 to win a bit more cash. Alright for some! After the briefing you grab your race pack which includes your good quality technical Tshirt, a useful bag and your race number along with as many safety pins as you would need. The race organiser Digby makes very sure he welcomes everyone equally, regulars, islanders, new comers from UK and other countries. It has even been known for him to accommodate racers who haven’t been able to find or afford accommodation. Anyway, his ego is inflated enough so I’ll move onto the race.

It starts at 06:00 in a central part of St Helier. Much improved toilet facilities at the nearby marina and water available for all along with a van to dump your drop bag in.  You have access to this at the half way point. Racers gathered and chatted and before we knew it there was a quick countdown and we were off, hurtling through the streets of St Helier along the edge of various harbours and past the ugliest industrial part of the island – all within about five minutes. The pace at the front is blistering and the field of around 70 (including about 8 relay teams) spreads quickly. The key to this race is to keep the sea on your right as you head around in an anti clockwise direction. The first leg of the race is 10.9 miles and skirts the south, south west and westerly coast lines until you get to St Catherines breakwater, the first check point. This first section is 100% on road, pavement and a little gravel trail with only two significant hills. They’re small but provide a welcome excuse for a walk following a good hour of lively road running. Not really a fan of road stuff anymore but it’s good to get a few quicker miles in the bank at the start. The route passes beautiful properties and a lovely coastline with constant views of the sea and the ever changing seascape as one of the largest tidal ranges in the world alters the appearance of the island. This year I started off way to fast but was enjoying chatting (between panting) to a friend who should have been way ahead of me and ultimately finished as first lady. I pushed a bit too hard and was very happy to get to the beautiful harbour village of Gorey overlooked by the imposing castle so I could have a toilet break and excuse to sit down for a minute and get my heart rate down a bit. That was the last I’d see of Leanne and the other four or five runners that were within sight.

Gorey

Gorey to St Catherines is a short, rolling run of about 20 minutes but it looks a lot further than a couple of miles.  This year I made a conscious effort to fly through the checkpoints so slowed to fill up my water bottle and ran off in search of check point 2 which is at the 22.9 mile mark. I am always excited at this point as I think it’s the start of the cliff paths and more excuses for walking but I always forget there are a few more miles of hilly road running before you get to the cliff trails proper. You have one fairly long uphill on a quiet country lane before it flattens out a bit. My morale was damaged as I was overtaken by a couple of runners but I realised they were relay runners and my confidence resumed. A little bit of trail and a long road downhill brings to you to another pretty harbour village call Rozel before heading up to White rock and the start of the cliff paths, the hilliest and my favourite part of the course.

Rozel harbour

I moved well along the cliff paths but I think over cooking it on the first leg was taking its toll. My legs felt lethargic and I could feel hot spots on most of my toes but I kept on plodding and enjoying the ups and downs. I saw very few other racers and virtually no other people at all. The few dog walkers I did see were very encouraging. Along this usually dry and always hilly part of the course you pass a couple more little harbour villages – Bouley Bay and Bonne Nuit before getting back on the road for two miles which takes you into Check point 2 and the half way point (ish). Unfortunately on my way towards Bouley Bay I lost concentration, twisted my ankle, stubbed my toe and fell face first for about 15 feet straight into a thorny bush, banging Knee in the process. My knee swelled up instantly and the large cuts oozed blood all over my leg. My arms, neck and hands were covered in splinters and blood and my knee was excruciating. I sprang to my feet to check no one had seen me and limped on, admiring my appearance of being covered in blood. This would have made a great photo I thought but unfortunately I was sweating profusely and it all washed off. Except for my knee which continued to bleed for about 8 hours more.

Portelet bay

I made it to CP2 in record time, about 5 minutes quicker than last year. I was hoping to knock 19 minutes of last years PB and finish in just under 8 hours, thus earning me a “GOLD medal”. To explain this quickly, you get a Gold medal for any time under 8 hours, a Silver medal for between 8 and 10 hours and a Bronze medal for a finish between 10 and 12 hours. After 12 hours you get a hug from Digby. Probably better to DNF and just go home! I had several silver medals and had brought my time down from 9:25 in 2011 to 8:19 in 2015. I left the checkpoint promptly after ditching my T shirt and filling my mouth with Jelly babies like I was stocking up for a winter of hibernation. After another mile on the road I re-joined he coastal path at Sorel point, the northernmost part and ran for half an hour to Devils Hole passing some of our only wildlife, the Manx sheep….

….and onwards towards Greve de Lecq. By this point I’d caught up with a chap from Jersey who now lives in the UK. I think he said this was his fifth time doing RTR. We met up with another guy and enjoyed a run together along the short road section leading down into the bay of Greve De Lecq where the local occupants were preparing for a small music festival appropriately named “Groove de Lecq”. The view heading down the steep decent was incredible with the water in the bay a stunning turquoise colour and incredibly clear. Very inviting but unfortunately not on todays menu. From there you have a very steep hike for about five to ten minutes and then carry on along cliff paths to Plemont which again looks stunning. You continue onto Check point 3 which is at Grosnez and the 30 mile mark

The remains of Grosnez castle

From there I ran on my own and didn’t see another runner for the rest of the race. I descended from Grosnez down onto St Ouens bay, the view from here is incredible (see below) and started to run along the 5 mile beach but the tide hadn’t long gone out and I changed my tactic and scrambled up onto the main “five mile road” for an hour of very boring plodding with a bit of walking chucked in.

Corbiere Lighthouse

At Corbiere you get back on the cliff paths for my favourite part of the island, a three mile run taking you to the bay of St Brelades. The views are incredible looking down into the blue sea filled with kayaks, paddle boarders and super yachts. Another mile running along the beach and then up onto Portelet common for a short loop before joining the road and continuing down a steep decent that brings you to St Aubins harbour. Throughout the race you have a choice of running along beaches or the road/pavement closest to the beach. If the tide is high you have no choice. If the tide has just gone out, the sand will be wet and rippled which will cause ankle issues and wet feet. Low tide is great as the sand should be dry but firm and you can cut off a significant chunk of the total mileage. I am always flexible with my plan but usually coming to St Aubins harbour and seeing the finish line about three miles away in a straight line or four to five miles away following the pavement/esplanade I usually take the shorter option. It may have been a bad move as within minutes I was knee deep running through the sea but psychologically I was making better progress going in a direct line. I will never know which would have been quicker. Half way across the bay I watched my target time of 8 hours slip away but I pushed on hard to finish in less than 8:10. My final time was 8:09:48. 10 minutes off my PB but unfortunately still no Gold medal.  That will have to wait until next year.

St Brelades Bay

There was a nice atmosphere at the finish with a few runners in front, Digby handing out free beer and lots of support for the people left to come in. I hung around for a few hours waiting for some friends and enjoying the sunshine and a dip in the sea. There was a BBQ and awards evening but unfortunately I had a few too many beers at the finish and passed out at home. Maybe next year!

 

Don’t ask!

I highly recommend this race and often do to anyone looking to take the Mrs/Mr away for the weekend and incorporate a cheeky race, any elites looking for a bit of cash, any first time ultra runners and anyone who just wants a challenging 44-48 miles trail run with awesome views, friendly people and about 1000 metres of ascent/descent.

On reflection of my own performance, I feel that if I had ran faster and walked less I probably would have finished in a quicker time!  It was a hot day which seemed to slow everyone but the winner down.  I didn’t have my ipod which may have gotten me out of a few slumps.  All a load of shite.  Excuses only satisfy those making them.  I wasn’t fast enough……but I loved it once again.

I couldn’t recommend this race enough, get entered.

A Jersey cow

Thanks as always go to my sponsors Mercury Distribution.  Without their help I wouldn’t be able to complete these races.  Thank you

Some images stolen from Google and no running images as I forgot my ipod.  Use your imagination

Written by Scott Harris - http://runninganimo.com/

77k/48 miles with 1000 metres ascent around the island of Jersey

Cancelled!? What does that mean? It took my mind a few moments to realise that Flybe had cancelled my flight 10 minutes before boarding. There wasn’t time to hang around swearing and I was quickly on the move to see if I could get on another flight. Fortunately I was able to though it wasn’t scheduled to leave until 17:45 having already being delayed by an hour. It was a long stressful wait in the airport knowing that there would be a good chance the flight would be delayed even longer or maybe Flybe would decide to cancel this one as well. It was delayed for another 30 minutes, so now instead of arriving in Jersey at 15:00 I wasn’t going to arrive until after 19:00. Great!

Instead of a relaxing afternoon I was 4 hours behind. It was very frustrating and I felt like I was in a constant rush never being able to distance my mind from the race. Sorting out my kit, then my drop bag, going over my race plan, checking the weather forecast whilst eating, making sure I didn’t take on too much or I’d have trouble sleeping as soon as I had everything ready. It probably wasn’t until around 23:00 I cursed Flybe one last time and managed to fall asleep.

5 hours of solid sleep as I rose at 04:00. I had a couple bananas and an energy bar for breakfast, checked the weather and got ready. I still wasn’t sure about the weather so around 05:00 I decided to go for a jog around the hotel car park. It helped make my mind up and I was set. Soon it was time to head down to the start line, give in my drop bag which I’d see a few hours later and wait. I bumped into Paul Burrows who was running around the island 7 times in 7 days. We had a quick chat and I wished him good luck on his mammoth challenge.

Everyone lined up ready for the start at 06:00. I went over my race plan in my head proving to myself that I memorised it sufficiently. I had average paces in mind for the first 3 aid stations and was happy that I’d be able to achieve these. We set off and I ignored all those that went off faster than me, if I can stick to my plan or almost stick to it I’d have a great day. Head down, now and then looking at my GPS watch to ensure I wasn’t running too fast. Something was wrong. All the stress and nervous energy I had been feeling whilst at the airport was still there. My stomach felt unsettled which made it hard to focus. I wasn’t moving too badly but I wasn’t happy at all. Thankfully I knew where a public toilet was just before Gorey. I was grateful but lost a few minutes.

I wanted to make up the time I lost but I knew it would be stupid to do so immediately, so I had to be patient and make up the 5/6 minutes I lost over the rest of the race. It was difficult knowing I was behind but I stayed patient and kept my speed steady, but for some reason I still wasn’t able to focus as my stomach remained unhappy. I got to the first aid station at St Catherines  (17.44k/10.9 miles) in around 1 hour 22 minutes so I wasn’t quite as far behind as I thought I was. But things weren’t going well as I started on the trail. I didn’t know if my stomach was hungry or upset so I didn’t want to eat anything. I changed the settings on my watch so I was viewing the route rather than the speed and distance as it would just stress me out.

There was no way I was finishing the race without eating. I had a shot blok; it felt okay so I had another a few minutes later, but I was convinced that my stomach would be dictating the pace of the race today. Many negative thoughts filled my mind as I struggled on to La Fontaine where my drop bag was waiting. Why do I run? Why do I spend so much time and money doing this? It was looking bad but I kept going. I walked some of the steps to be surprised that I couldn’t run immediately afterwards. I walked a hill I would normally run up easily. It really was disturbing how much I was struggling so early on into the run. I even thought about sitting down at one point on the tempting benches that I passed along the cliff path now and then.  I wasn’t thinking it, but I knew somewhere in my mind was the knowledge that you don’t quit when you feel bad, you don’t stop moving, you will feel better again, it will pass; where do you want to be when that happens? Having already thrown in the towel, or on the trail running?

I had some flat coke and some watermelon once I reached La Fontaine (35km/22 miles). I was still negative and questioning myself for drinking coke thinking that would mess up my stomach more but it didn’t. Shortly after leaving my stomach began to settle, I was able to focus and my legs started to gain rhythm. Yes!. It didn’t take long until I was feeling great and started moving with ease. I saw a runner ahead and overtook them. Soon I saw two more, overtaking them both on a steep hill running as they walked. I questioned myself for doing so and slowed to a walk before reaching the top realising I still felt good, so started running again. I pushed on.

I arrived at Grosnez (47k/29.8miles) to be told I was in 3rd place to my complete surprise. I had a couple pieces of fresh pineapple, some more flat coke and moved on excited by being in 3rd. I knew 1st was a long way ahead but 2nd was only a few minutes in front. I decided against going after him, I’d just stick to my own pace and hope they would come back to me. I was very pleased to find the tide was in on the west of the island. I had already decided to run on the road rather than the beach due to a niggle I had a few weeks earlier. Running on sand isn’t fun at the best of times and I was sure it was going to pull on my calf and cause it to tighten. With the tide in the runners in front wouldn’t be able to take advantage of the slighter shorter distance the beach offers.

My mind was still focused and I was moving well. It was flat and easy to run but was quite tough to do so, I kept going knowing I’d soon be able to slow down once I got back on the trail. Someone beeped their horn as they drove by. I waved not really sure who it was. Moments later Bryce was stood there waiting for me. It had been lonely race up to this part so  it was great to have someone to chat to for a few minutes as Bryce asked how I felt and updated me on the guys in front. Thanks Bryce!

I got to the final aid station, Beauport (62.4k/39 miles) feeling pretty good. I knew there wasn’t much further to go. I just had to keep running and I might be able to see 2nd place soon.  I had more fresh fruit and flat coke with my stomach feeling absolutely fine. I left still feeling good though struggling to work out how long it would take me to get to the finish. Just keep moving I told myself.

I passed through St Aubin knowing it would soon be over. At this point I’d taken my singlet off concerned that I might get a cut nipple due to chaffing. Apologies to the people of Jersey for running half naked, but I took a guess that would be a more pleasant sight than blood streaming down my body clearly visible through my white t-shirt. I could roughly see where the finish line was and ran as fast from St Aubin to the finish line as I had all day.

I crossed the finish line in 3rd place in a time of 6:46:13 taking 50 minutes and 45 seconds off from last years time. That felt good, real good. To think how bad I felt for the first 3 hours and now I was stood at the finish line having run over 50 minutes faster than last year. It turns out I managed to run a negative split by about 2 minutes as well, obviously due to struggling early on in the race, but negative splitting an ultra feels awesome. Those negative questions I asked myself early on in the race were emphatically answered upon crossing the finish line.

It’s a great race and the 4th time I’ve taken part. At one point I actually said “wow” out loud as I was admiring the scenic coastline over my shoulder.  It’s a beautiful island, a well organised race and I’ll no doubt be back again next year. I keep getting faster each year so fingers crossed I can maintain that record.

Thanks to Digby and everyone else for organising the race and all the helpful volunteers at the aid stations.

Big thanks to my parents for supporting me and looking after me after finishing.

And well done to Paul for running Round the Rock 7 times in 7 days!

Race website here

Full results here

My run on Strava here

Thanks to the guidance from Sandi and Sage over the recent months.

Written by Steve Way - http://www.steveway.co.uk

Written by Mimi Anderson - http://marvellousmimi.com

It has been over a week since I returned from my trip to India – what an adventure I had!

Myself and 12 other people had been invited to participate in the new 161km race hosted by the Gujarat Commission of Tourism to promote the event to the trail running community.  Unfortunately only 10 of use made it out to India as two of the invited runners didn’t manage to get their visas sorted in time.

Run the Rann took place for the first time last year with a 21km, 42km and 101km race, this year they added the 161km race to the event and completely changed the course for the 101km.

The  races take place on the “island” of Khadir Bet in the Gujurat Province of western India, very close to the Pakistan boarder.  All the competitors would start together then the 101km & 161km runners would head out to the North side which is the wildest and most remote side of the island.  The North side has almost never been explored, except by Border Security Forces and our race explorers when selecting the route. Very few other human beings have been there, except some local shepherds from time to time.

As I have said many times before running for me is all about the adventure, location and of course the distance and this race covered all three and more!

After a long flight, “unusual” accommodation in Ahmedabad, a tuktuk ride to the coach where we would spend 10 plus hours getting to know one another before arriving safely at our destination.

On arrival at camp we were greeting by the most spectacular sight of our accommodation – pure Indian Magic.

As well as having fantastic accommodation the food was delicious which surprised me as I’m not a curry fan!  I did however learn quite quickly that if they said “not spicy” it was still hot so I avoided anything that was “very spicy!”

After a bit of sightseeing we were all wondering when registration was going to take place – everyone kept giving us different times.  The 10 international runners were taken on the back of motor bikes to where CP6 would be on the race to take a look at the views which were quite spectacular.

This was my first ride on the back of a motor bike so you can imagine I was a touch nervous (not the best place in the world to be taken for a ride!!) however my driver on the way there was OK, only occasionally going very fast in order to overtake people (I just closed my eyes)

The return trip didn’t go quite as smoothly.  Firstly I had a different driver (someone obviously didn’t like theirs) and really didn’t feel very safe as he sped up, slowed down, skidded then sped up again.  Everyone else had gone on a head when we stopped as one of his friends carrying Josh had a puncture – after about 10 minutes Josh and I thought it was would be a good idea to start walking towards the road as it was beginning to get dark.  We were instantly called back and told to both get on the back of my bike.  The driver then lost control of the bike going off the dirt track towards the undergrowth – I thought at this point we were going to fall off but he managed to get back on track again with us telling him to slow down.

Thankfully another bike appeared to rescue Josh and we both headed towards the road where we met up with the RD who asked if I was OK.  At that point I was OK,  he headed off down the road leaving Josh and myself remaining at a stand still.  Eventually my bike followed the RD’s leaving Josh behind (this I wasn’t happy about) but about 10 minutes later he overtook me so all was well.

On the RD’s insistence my guy gave me his headscarf to wrap round my shoulders as I was freezing and by this stage it was dark.  Suddenly I was alone, no lights or bikes in sight and my driver stopped at a shack on the side of the road to buy some petrol.  I waited and waited feeling not frightened but extremely vulnerable.  THEN my driver vomited not once, or twice but three times – I have never seen so much fluid come out of one body.  Was he in any fit state to be driving a bike?  Finally we arrived back in camp a good 10/15 minutes after everyone else and I felt really cross that I had been put in such a potentially dangerous situation.

Finally it was time to register – non of our compulsory kit was checked which I found extremely odd considering the remoteness of the areas we were racing, at the same time we were given our GPS units.  Again, considering the only way to navigate both the 101km & 161km race I think we were all rather surprised to receive them so late.  Thankfully mine worked and had the route install, others weren’t so lucky and had to go back to have them redone, not something you want to worry about hours before the race begins.  Luckily the units were fairly easy to use so after a quick lesson from Linda and Damion I headed off to bed.

We were allowed one drop bag which was to be at CPAB8, I packed extra running kit (just in case I got a funny tummy or something) more food, batteries etc, with everything ready I went to bed hoping that the headache I had had since arriving in India would disappear (it wasn’t dehydration as I was well hydrated).

Up early, dressed & headed off for breakfast.  I really didn’t want anything spicy for breakfast so opted for my own breakfast in the tent.

We were ready!

L to R: Josh, Linda Doke, Mimi Anderson, Tarmo Vannas, Justin Bowyer, Damian Stoy, Tom Caughlan

As I stood on the start line I really didn’t feel as though I was ready to run 161km but knew whatever happened I was going to give it all I had as I didn’t want to start 2015 with another DNF.

The first section of the race was on the salt flats which was fantastic as it gave me time to get my chest warmed up and breathing in control.  Considering how minutes before I really wasn’t feeling prepared to run I was feeling great and looking forward to the challenge ahead.

Just before the first CP I felt a very sharp pain on the bottom of my foot but paid no attention to it as it seemed to disappear but once passed the CP I could feel a sharp pain every so often so found a nice rock to sit on and took my trainer off to discover the BIGGEST thorn that had gone right through my Hokas and my insoles.  Luckily for me Abhishek who was also doing the 161km race stopped to see if he could help.  We remained together until CPAB6.

I believe at the 3rd CP the 21km runners went off in one direction, marathon runners in another and the 101km & 161km runners were to turn left.  We were told that someone would be there to point us in the right direction.  After filling my water bottles Abhishek and I went left.

We continued following the red flags and I kept saying that we weren’t on course but was told we were going the right way – perhaps my GPS was playing tricks.  We both then realised that we had gone the wrong way so we had to go cross country to get back on track again.

Back on course we got to CP4 where I filled up my bottles and told A that I would go on ahead as I knew he would catch me up (lots of rocks!!!) Here we were joined by Amar who was doing the 101km race. Two turned into three.

Everything so far was good, I felt I had the hang of my GPS and was becoming steadily better at rock hopping (there’s hope for me yet) The thorns however was a different story they grew like weeds.  Flat ones on the ground that caught your shoelaces, large bushes that intertwined with other thorn bushes, they were everywhere.  Sometimes we could go round them but most of the time there was no option but to go straight through – they attached themselves to everything, legs, arms, pack, hair, hat nothing was left “unthorned”  My skin was ripped to shreds.  We had been warned that there would be lots of thorns but I didn’t quite expect them in this quantity.  On occasion we found ourselves going through thick clumps – but no time to worry this was a race and when racing you just get on with it as it’s the only way to the finish.

The temperature had by now heated up nicely to 36 degrees.  Remarkably I seemed to be coping with the heat quite well considering it had been minus 3 in the UK when we left.

We were heading towards CP5 and according the GPS we were less than a km away so of course you drink more water as you know you can refill – WRONG! There was no CP5, we looked and look, blew our whistles shouted but nothing, you can imagine we felt a bit dishearten at this stage, we had virtually no water between us (I had a very small amount in my camelbak which was quickly used up).  We kept going thinking that perhaps the next CP might be closer than it said on the GPS unit (11km away as far as I can remember)

At this point I was slightly ahead of the boys (not by much) when the GPS told us that we need to head down.  I looked and looked but couldn’t find a way down so I sat on the ledge waiting for the boys to catch up with me.

After a lot of searching we eventually found what we thought was the way down the cliff – I wasn’t feeling very happy at this stage but knew I had no choice but to go down.  I followed Abhishek down, it was difficult holding onto the rocks as they were sandstone so if you held on  too tightly (like I did) they broke off.  After about 10 minutes we decided that this was most definitely not the way down so now I had to get back up this vertical slop – SHIT If I hadn’t been with the boys I wouldn’t have been able to get up on my own so was very relieved when we got back to the top.

A bit further on we discovered another way down that lead to some sort of a path down into thorn bushes, so down we went (slowly) and continued bushwacking our way down until eventually reaching the salt flats at the bottom. (I also found a porcupine quill, I didn’t realise they inhabited this area of India)

By now we had been without water for sometime, even eating was difficult as my mouth was so dry but we remained moving forward and upbeat.  Amar and I were slightly ahead of Abhishek who I think was struggling so we made sure we kept him in our sights.  Further along the salt flats before heading back up the rocks we spotted a man asleep onto of a large rock.  Amar woke him up asking if he had any water, thankfully he ran down towards us clutching a large bag full of water – PHEW.  I have never been so pleased to see a 500ml bottle of water in my life.  The first one was consumed very quickly and the other one was put in my bottle.  We were very conscious that we didn’t want to take too much as there were people behind us who would need it.

We continued our journey up towards CPAB6 where the boys ate some food.  I didn’t fancy any rice so filled up my bottles, ate some of my food and then Amar and I headed off knowing the Abhishek would catch us up.

After a steep climb up to the top of the ridge we continued running for a couple of km’s (by now we had our head torches on) and I knew that there was another decent coming up.  Eventually we arrived at the point where the GPS said we should be going down – we looked and looked and to be quite honest all I could see was a drop off a cliff edge; I had a good head torch but try as I might I just couldn’t see a safe way down; to me going down in the dark seemed to be very unsafe so we opted to stay on the top and follow parallel to the track.  (I did think from something that had been said when we had gone there on the motor bikes that we would come back onto the ridge again – I was wrong) .

Having been badly dehydrated you can imagine my delight when I needed a pee, however I was rather shocked to see that my pee was bright red, I had blood in my urine.  I remember once someone saying that if they ever had blood in their urine in a race they would stop, so I decided that I would continue to the next CP where I might find someone medical and could ask the question.

The two of us kept going thinking that we could find our way down safely to CPAB7 but unfortunately there was no way down.  We had been followed by another competitor and his pacer who called for help.  I was feeling really hacked off at this stage, with myself and I’m sure Amar was feeling the same.  We decided that we were going to continue and make our way to a CP.  So off we went heading in the right direction but it was taking forever.  Amar then sat down for a rest, I continued to stand as I just wanted to keep going when I spotted a couple of head torches and people shouting.  I flashed my torch and shouted back.  It turned out it was the boarder patrol and a guy from the race who had been sent out to find the guys we had left behind – so with all of us in tow we were taken to the Boarder guards Station where they gave us water and told us that in the morning they we could continue our journey.

I told Amar that I wanted to continue now, not wait until morning so he translated and all of us were directed all 4 to CPB9 (A CP for the 101km race)  I kept trying to tell them I wanted to go to CPAB7 as I was running the 161km race but this appeared to go on deaf ears.   We walked down a sandy track for approx 2km to CPB9 where we had been told we could easily get to CPAB8 (I still wanted to go to AB7 NOT 8)

On arrival at the CP I was told that I had to go back to where I had come from in order to get to CP7 – good grief, what a waste of time that was!!!

Feeling determined I turned around (followed by the other two doing the 161km) and headed back towards the Boarder Guards station, went past and headed to CPAB7 where we managed to catch them as they were closing up.  They had been told that we were going straight to the next CP but I didn’t want to miss any out so was really pleased.

Now I had time to make up.  I went off on my own running along the salt flats towards CPAB8 feeling fantastic.

The guys at this CP were fantastic.  They were standing round a large fire which looked lovely. My water bottles were filled and they also gave me a lovely cold coke – heaven.  After a couple of sips I headed off down the road towards the next CP.

I arrived at the next CP feeling marvellous, filled my water bottles but unfortunately there was no food so continue on my way.  I was making up good time and although the temperature had dropped I felt very comfortable with my arm warmers on.

Onwards and upwards to the next CP where I bumped into Abhishek and Francoise who were having a rest, after a quick chat I was off again.

Coming up to the next CP I was hallucinating quite badly.  I saw a lady dressed in a black burka and weirdly she followed me.  Sounds silly but this was quite a creepy moment why would someone be out here in the middle of nowhere.  The figure continued to follow me but suddenly the head became larger looking more like a metal helmet but still had the opening for the eyes.  At this point I turned my back on the metal helmet as it was giving me the willies and when I turned round I discovered it was the check point! ha, the joy of ultra running.

I continued through the night on my own, quite happy and didn’t seem to go too badly wrong although the salt flats seemed to have rocks on them – they were in fact just softer & darker areas of salt.  My pee was still bright red but I was drinking enough and had no pain anywhere so continued.  To be quite honest each time I arrived at a CP no one understood me (which was fine and understandable) so trying to explain that I wanted to talk to someone about blood in my urine seemed an impossible task, it was easier to continue.

Between 4-6am I had to work hard to keep my eyes open and the hallucinations continued, I had to keep telling myself that they weren’t real.

The following day I went behind a building to discover Walter fiddling around with his GPS as it had stopped working.  Between us we got it working again and continued together.  It was lovely having some company and someone to chat to.

Walter and I were running well together and at one point we were followed by a dog for over 10km and each time we came to a CP she would be well ahead of us!

Running along the salt flats towards a CP we spotted the RD walking towards us, I had a massive trip and landed on the salt – a bit of an ouch moment as it was rather like falling on gravel but my bravery was rewarded with a can of coke – marvellous!

We were told that the next CP was only 4km away and should be stocked with hot and salty food so I opted not to eat anything, sadly however at the next CP 5.5km away there was virtually no food and certainly no hot food so we shared an orange, filled our water and continued.

Walter was suffering at this point, he was overcome with tiredness and feeling hot.  He kept telling me to go on without him but I was worried about leaving him when he was feeling the way he was, plus he was struggling with heat – not a good time to be left alone.  I put water on my buff which he put round his neck that I hope helped him.

At the next CP Walter said that he needed a 15 minute sleep and that I should go on without him.  I was happier to leave him now as it was cooling down plus he was safe at a check point, so once my bottles were filled I headed off on my own.

It was on this next section that my GPS played tricks on me and had me going in all different directions.  It was getting dark and was worrying that I was lost, I wasn’t even sure if I was heading in the right direction.  At this point I stopped and gave myself a good talking too. Relax, stay calm and look at your GPS properly.  After a couple of minutes I worked out which way to go and was heading in the right direction.

Darkness had now fallen on the 2nd night and I was alone once more.  Quite relaxed to be on my own as at that particular moment I knew where I was!!!

Quite happy in my own little torchlight world I spotted another head torch ahead of me and could hear voices – it was too early for the CP but must be someone to do with the race (why else would people be out in the middle of nowhere?) I continued towards them to be greeted by a Security guy and a friend.  They told me to sit down – so I did, then I asked for some water and they replied “no water, water at CP” REALLY! So I got up and started to head towards the CP but bless the boys they took me to the check point – how marvellous was that, no need to look at my GPS (although I did have a little look just to check they were taking me in the right direction!)

I thanked them profusely (I could have actually give them a big hug for helping me, but I don’t think they would have liked that!) and I headed off into the night.

As I neared the next CP my GPS stopped working so I was wondering around trying to find where I should be.  On my right was a house with three guys standing outside who were shouting at me and kept saying “come here” well, if you are in the middle of nowhere and don’t think you are anywhere near a CP you don’t “come here” so I shouted back “no thank you” they kept shouting and I kept thinking I really wish my GPS would tell me where I was, eventually I turned it off and on again.  As I was doing this one of the guys from the house came out and said “CP here” – PHEW, but I wish they had said that in the first place (according to my GPS I wasn’t anywhere near the CP.)

Onwards and upward.  I got chased and growled at by a pack of dogs which was rather scary so I turned round, faced them, made myself look really big and growled back – seemed to work!

The last section to the final CP I felt as though I was going round in circles.  At this point I was back on the route that the marathon runners had taken so in theory it should have been easy to follow red ribbons.  Although there were a few ribbons a lot of them seemed to have disappeared.  Once again I was convinced I was going in the wrong direction so had to keep checking my GPS, then had doubts, was the finish the white flag on the map or the checkered flag?  Sounds easy now but at the time it took ages to work out that the checkered flag was always the finish (silly me!)

Suddenly I was confronted with a wall or thorns – there was no way forward or left but I knew I was heading in the right direction.  I spotted a possible route under the trees to my right that I took ducking under the thorns until eventually coming out on a dried river bed.  I could hear guys on motor bikes just ahead of me with torches and I wondered whether I should hide, go in another direction so they didn’t see me or just keep going in the same direction.  I opted for the third option.  Getting out of the dried river bed I was greeted by a guy saying “Mimi” – Oh thank goodness they knew me! marvellous.

As I had taken me longer than they thought it should have done for me to get to them from the last CP they were worried about me and had started searching for me.  I could have hugged them both (very nearly did); it was wonderful being guided into the final check point of the race.  Now I only had about 4km to go.

As I ran through the narrow streets towards the finish I began talking to myself thanking my family for their support and for everyone who knew me for their love – Perhaps the salt flats had turned me mad but I arrived safely into the finish in an appalling time of 39 plus hours (actually very nearly 40 hrs) but I had finished.

At no point was I going to give up but there were points during the race that I felt “uncomfortable”.  During my running career I have raced in some extremely inhospitable locations so I’m definitely not afraid to put myself out there for an adventure – I actually consider myself to be a relatively “brave” person.

This race has the potential to be a great event but first there are some serious things that need to be sorted and put in place in order to make it safe.  I’m delighted that I was lucky enough to have taken part in the inaugural race and it certainly was an adventure but there are adventures and adventures!

Thank you to my fellow runners, it was an absolute joy to meet you and spend time in a beautiful location, I hope we meet again.

I was relieved that by Monday mid-morning there was no blood in my Urine.

Happy Training