Canalathon 50k was my first Ultra in 2016. I completed it on my own and loved it. This year I went back with a bit more experience and 4 great friends. 

We decided to make a weekend out of it booked an amazing house for 2 nights. We arrived on the Saturday afternoon and headed straight to Sowerby Bridge to check out where we had to register and parking, so there would be no panic on race day. We then headed to our converted barn, which was in the middle of hills and an excellent location for potential kidnappers! 

Registration was easy. We gave in our names and were handed our race packs. Medal & t.shirt is given pre race (which I’m not sure I like as I like to earn my medal before I get it!) but we stashed them away in Ann’s bag for safe keeping. I ordered a t.shirt but was given a bobble hat. After speaking to the RD he said he would leave me a t.shirt at the finish, which he did but it was a 75k one!

At 7.15 we boarded the coach to the start in Manchester and after a 40minute drive we were at the start. After the briefing we were off at 8:30 sharp. The lap around the car park before joining the tow path is a highlight! 

The weather was glorious and there were lots of people out and about. Public support during ultras is little to none, so it was lovely to get good luck wishes along most of the route. 

The check points were great and loaded with tasty snacks. I found the ham wraps, jaffas, jelly babies and flat cola particularly yummy! The marshals were chatty and cheery and helpful with filling water bottles and passing round food. There was an extra sweet stop at mile 17.5 thanks to Helen & Andy!

At CP3 we knew we had 5 miles to go. My friend Ann, who I was running with pushed me in those last miles to keep running and ‘get it done!’. I was thankful to see Jon & Brian at the finish line after 31.33 miles! We then all cheered Ellie home. For a second time, this event did not disappoint. 15min PB and fantastic memories! #teamgreen