This event is a great concept and something different to challenge you from the usual start to finish line ultras.  You know the know where the finish line is but you get to chose the start line.  You are then racing against all other runners who are ‘converging’ on to the finish line.  Race organiser track all runner via GPS devices that are switched on at midday at race start - you get 24 hours to make it to the finish line on the distance you chose.  The gamble is picking the right distance to ensure you make it to the finish line in time. You can either run solo or in pairs.  We entered the pairs event and ran a total of 87.5 miles in 22hrs 15 mins which resulted in us winning the pairs event.  The solo runner this year ran approx 98 miles and won the solo entry.  Many runners started further away but overestimated and did not make it to the finish line resulting in no race medal, harsh but further adds to the uniqueness of this event.  All distances are measured as the crow flies from your start point to the finish line, a gold medal is 69-90 miles away as the crow flies from the finish line, a black medal is 90 miles plus as the crow flies.  If you start from 30 miles or less from the finish line the organisers only email a certificate to you...brutal but unique. 

This was a great challenge in that weeks before you plan a route looking for the most efficient means to get to the finish line, a small town located in Hope Valley, yes Hope!, in the Peak District.  I feel this has been picked for two reasons, the first one obvious, hope!, and secondly the elevation from all directions into Hope was brutal, a true test at the end of the chosen distance for runners.

Pre-race gps devices are sent out a week prior, and race rules a few weeks before. All very detailed and it is all down to you.  The first site of the race organisers is at the finish line. Showers and changing rooms are available and plenty of food to replen.

All in all a very good event and a great concept to get away from the usual race structure.

I recommend it, and once complete all you have to blame for your aches and pains is you as you chose the route and distance.