So this was supposed to be my second Ultra of 2019, but after an injury around Christmas time I had to pull out of the first one, meaning this was the first Ultra for 2019 and boy it didnt disapoint.

I was really looking forward to attending this Ultra, even though I knew I would have tired legs from the London Marathon the week before.

As soon as we arrived the organiser was already meeting and greeting people and guiding them to the registration area in the yatch club.

Registration was a smooth as chocolate melted over strawberrys dished up with a warming smile.

There were plenty of toilets in the yatch club and the public toilets accross the carpark to minimise any backlogs.

Race briefing was informative and fun, they even took time to give a seperate briefing to one of our members that wears a hearing aid, so massive plus point from that point of view - thank you.

OK to the race, first 5k was along the cycle path along the canal, the only flat part of the course that went like lightning, however on the way back thats another story, but I will cover that later.

So the first of the inclines takes you up through some lovely woods where the bluebells were out in force, making it a very stunning place to run, even if I was blowing out of every hole in my body climbing the stairway to heaven haha, its not that bad really but do take time to get your breath and take in the view down the woodlands, but dont worry if you forget you will get a chance on the way back.

Over the whole course you will have around 4000ft of elevation, which is tough but extreamly rewarding as well, there is a mix of technical trails, farmers fields and tarmac (didnt like the tarmac) but on the whole the majority is off road.

Some of the farmers fields had electric fences in for the cows that we had to negotiate under or over, the only thing missing when you get to the field was the theme tune from mission impossible, on the return leg getting down under the wire was most certainly a challenege or should I say getting back up was.

The aid stations were awesome, very well stocked and enthusiastic but my favourite was the last one, they were nuts and gave me that added boost to get going to the finish.

OK so the horrible bit, the last 3 miles were flat and really took it out on me, the last mile was tarmac meh meh meh but heyho it was what it was and couldnt be helped, I cant beleive that I was actually praying for the hills again.

The carpark emerges at the end of the footpath to reveal the harbour and the finish line where everyone was on top form cheering everyone across the line to recieve tshirt and medals - awesome, awesome, awesome

I will be back!!

Oh and the Pint of Guiness was superb afterwards as well 

As always the last shout out must go to the marshalls and volunteers - thank you