As Julie Andrews sang - at times it certainly felt like we were climbing every mountain in Wales.  The race is described as multi terrain which means there was some tarmac as well as stunning trails through amazing countryside. I was looking for a challenge for my second ultra and this race certainly delivered.  The incredible climbs and technial descents offered a fantastic opportunity to really test your skills.

Morning of the race was misty but this rapidly dispersed with the hot burning sun which remained in place for the duration of the race, which made the challenge even more testing.  It was blisteringly hot all day - very unlike Wales! 

Registration and bag drop was at the yacht club - an unpretentious place but welcoming, but we did struggle to fit in to hear Nathan give the rac briefing. There was even free car parking so an added bonus.  The course starts off on the canal path so flat and steady pace.  And then we reached the woods.  This is when we started to get to grips with waht was to come in terms of inclines and descents.  It was however quite magical a the wood was covered in bluebells which not only offerec a wonderful sight but the smell of the flowers was quite intoxicating.

On and on we went up hill and down dale with the most utterly stuning scenery.  The halfway point provided a welcome aid station and space to rest legs and refuel.  There was an ambulance in case anyone needed it but on the day an ice cream van would have been better!  Next year of course there will be one and it will be the coldest may in Wales on record!

The bane of all trail race directors lives is that of route marking and this race was no different.  Many of the tapes had been reoved and some were very difficult to locate so easy to take thw wrong path.  that said locals were quite good at getting you back on the right track.  I understand this is being looked at for next years event as most of the runners got way laid in one way or another. The check point marshalls were fantastic  but it may be helpful to have more marshalls posted along the route to make sure people dont lose their way

One of my most endearing memories of the race was at mile 31and being told by 3 very excited 9-10 year old boys on bikes the way to go and 'if I hurry up I can catch up the runners in front' - hilarious.

This is a fabulous race.  Incredibly friendly and supportive.  I am so glad I had the opportunity to run this and would definitely recommend to others.  There a couple of minor issues mentioned above that the organisers need to consider for next year but I can see this race becoming one of the 'must do' races.  The caveat to that is numbers would need to be limited as the course and Burry Port would struggle to accommodate very large numbers.