Although it was my first venture into Ultra running the excellent pre-race emails and website of Cannonball Events ensured a smooth registration around 7am at Sowerby Bridge from where a coach ferried us to the start in the Ancoats area of Manchester.

A quick briefing preceded a prompt start at 8.30 and around 140 of us set off through the industrial landscape of East Manchester. The course moves through some lovely scenery for the latter 35k of the route, with plenty of geese, fisherman, Sunday morning walkers and the odd Swan as company.

The official feed stations were well stocked and manned by enthusiatic Marshals, with a welcoming bonus #ukrunchat station manned by Helen and Andy.

The field spread out during the last 10-15k but plenty of locals out for a walk or ride in the lovely weather gave great encouragement and directions when i went the wrong way once! I found the solitude of the last mile quite difficult and when the welcome sight of the small but well organised finish area appeared it spurred me home.

The race t-shirt and medal are both top quality and thanks must go to the organisers for whom it must be a very long day.

It's a race i'd recommend for anyone wanting to try an Ultra for the first time, relatively flat and scenic, but watch out for the cobblestones by the locks and bridges 

Finally, if you're lucky enough to run with friends like Ellie, Gemma, Ann and Jon you'll have a day to treasure