I would not call myself a very serious runner but I challenged myself to run an ultra before I was 40, and this happened to be the closest one availale in the year of covid. Having never done more than a half marathon before (over a decade ago), I wasn't quite sure what to expect. From the moment I made contact through the Crooked Tracks website, I got the feeling that this event was well-organised, friendly, welcoming and does not take itself too seriously (hence the name!)

On the big day - without a cloud in the blue sky - the event was brilliant from start to finish, even with all the restrictions of covid and the staggered start times. The course itself is absolutely spectacular and, although I'm Wiltshire born and bred, I discovered beautiful places I'd never been before. The awesome 52km trail takes you to quaint villages, across rolling farm-land, up grassy hills, through shaded woods and alongside meandering rivers. The visual highlight has to be the descent from the woods and the first glance of Old Waldour Castle, but pretty much the whole course is like running through a fairytale landscape. I can't imagine you'd find a better course in England!

In terms of the physical toughness of the event, I felt like the first half lulled me into a slight false sense of security and by the time I reached the castle I felt like all my training had paid off - this was going to be a breeze! However, the third quarter felt pretty punishing - it was nearly all grass (often long grass) and what seemed like uphill forever up to the A303. I've never been so pleased so see a checkpoint, and the final quarter didn't seem quite so bad and I massively appreciated the long downhill finish followed by good refreshments and an amazing hot vegan meal! 

The course was more spectacular than my finish time (6 hours 44) but I was pleased with a 50th place finish.

Although at about 22 miles I promised myself that I would never do an ultra again...I have already signed up for 2021. I like a challenge and I'm aiming to get close to the 6 hour mark and the top 25.

I took part in the 2020 "A Run With No Witty Name" and got a PB for a 50k, it was my 1st ultra and truely a great event. Neil and his team were so supportive and have a great sense of humour which helps you to continue the race when you are struggling. The route takes you to some very beautiful views. Beware of the aid stations they are fully stocked with goodies and the marshals are fantastic, you may end up losing time. I really love the unique wooden dog tags for medals. I may hace to do the race again.

Ran - (well - mostly staggered!) - this event the first year it was run, and  not only was it my first ever Ultra, it was probably my favourite, most enjoyable race I've done (and I'm pushing the New York Marathon into second place now!).
Testing course, great aid stations (Actually - they were like kids birthday parties and so well stocked!!!) and probably the friendliest Marshalls and Organisers going...
All round, small scale, excellence... 11/10
(...and plan to hit it again after COVID lockdowns!!!) 

It is such a lovely, well organised, canicross-friendly race. There are some stunning views, and all the organisers, competitors and volunteers were super friendly. From a canicross perspective, there was not too much road, and plenty of water sources to keep my dog cool on what was quite a warm day at times. A lovely day out for runners of any speed!  WOULD RECOMMEND.

Having had the Brecon Ultra understandably postponed twice because of COVID, and given we were running for Alzheimer's Research, my running buddy and I were keen to put our training to good use.  We found this event and the organisers were amazing. Very accommodating, allowing us to join in after the deadline. The day was well organised with groups going off at different times to ensure we were COVID compliant. The event itself was ideal for a first Ultra. The medal is pretty quirky too!

2020 was my second year doing ARWNWN - and as I never come for seconds - it says a lot. It's is a great event - organized by superb people with great sense of humour (just check their FB - that's how I got hooked). No fuss event without all the music - inflatable finish line - crowds at every corner - but with great atmosphere at the start - during - and after. The marshalls are fantastic - food stations are a proper buffet - the course is well marked - you get fed at the end - and a medal (because we all do it for a bit of bling 😉) is unique. The cut off is really generous. You can do it solo or with your dog (real one or not 😉) and he/she will get s medal too 😁 and if you are lucky enough to come last - there is a special prize waiting for you.... So... What are you waiting for...?

This is a great event, it was a beautiful day, the views and course we're outstanding.

The organisers have a great sense of humour but the instructions are very clear with the communication too. Checkpoints well stocked. 

A few people missed some of the route markings but my team managed to follow ok!

Great day out! 

Let me start out by saying A Run With No Witty Name is my favourite race, so I have particular view. I fully believe that the pros massively outweight any cons.

what it isn't, you're not likely to set a PB unless it's your first 50k, it isn't likely to be free of water nor mud. There are some road sections but its mostly offroad

what it is, an opportunity to run in a truly beautiful area, the best aid stations that I've experienced during a race, wooden medals, its run not for profit any left over food etc is given to charities.

The primary route marking is done via tape and it is heavily used (if you haven't seen any for half mile it is likely a good idea to retrace your steps).  

the phrase for runners by runners is often used and for Neil and the team it is true.  As a sign of how highly thought it is, not only do people repeat run it (I've done it 3 times) the marshals keep coming back too. 

if you like trail running you owe it to yourself to do Witty