← Monster Run Fest

This is a very enjoyable 41 mile race from Ely cathedral to Cambridge and back. Considering that the price of entry (£35 for the ultra) is comparable to many half marathons this is a great fun and good value race which is a good introduction to ultra running (it was my first - but won't be my last!). There is plenty of free parking within easy walking distance of the start (my car park of choice was downhill from the cathedral which lead to a painful hobble back after the finish!), the registration was quick and easy and the race briefing was short but contained all of the required information. The aid stations were every 6-8 miles but were well stocked (water, squash, coke, gels, sweets) and staffed by friendly and encouraging volunteers. The course is mostly along cycle route 11 and where it deviated from the cycle route plenty of signs were in place to help. The route is ~70% along quiet roads or gravel tracks so road shoes are definitely needed. Being in the fens the route is very flat (except for the last 200m up to the cathedral), but the benefit of this is that you can see Ely cathedral from about 7 miles to go. A lovely medal (immediately commandeered by my kids), t-shirt and food (bananas, sweets etc.) and water were waiting for us at the end of the race, along with the ability to print out your result. For £35 it is hard to see a race of this length being better value. There are so many interesting races at this time of the year, but I will definitely be back if I can make time for it in the future.