I entered this race on more or less of a whim after seeing photos of beautiful scenery and a mention of ice-cream on Twitter following the 2018 race. The course elevation (over 3,000 ft) and number of steps (over 3,500) were a surprise a few days later!

The race didn't disappoint. The route was breathtaking in more ways than one!

The first 16 miles were the toughest thing I've ever done and very nearly broke me, but the reward for preserving was worthwhile. At every turn there was another beautiful view and my words are unable to portray the magnificence of the course.

The final 20 miles were mostly on roads and paths around the beaches and bays on the much flatter terrain of the west and north of the island.

The race information prior to race day was informative and thorough. The  social media updates helped build a race community, gave an inight into the race and answered race questions excellently. The pre race briefing was low key and calmed the nerves.

The course itself was generally well marked (though I went off course at one point,  lost around 10 minutes and found it soul destroying to have to retrace my steps up a large number of steps I'd happily run down!)

The marshalls and checkpoints were excellent - well stocked with food and drinks, and staffed by volunteers who were cheerful and supportive.

There are cut offs throughout the race and although I managed to beat them, it was by the skin of my teeth (CP3 by 40s, and the finish by 5 mins). The marshalls were aware of me needing to pick up the pace to finish within the time in order to receive a medal, and filled my water bottles, quickly passed me food and drink and got me out of CP3 as quickly as they could with me knowing exactly what I needed to do to finish in time. I don't know if the threat of not receiving a medal was real or not (I hope it wasn't), but the pep talk focussed my race and I finished with 5 minutes to spare, having run my fastest 3 miles in the last 3 miles of the race.

Local support on the route was excellent. I was encouraged and applauded by so many people I encountered on route that I felt like a celebrity.

The race is completed by touching the Liberation Monument and for me the emotion in doing so was overwhelming. 

It was a lovely touch that Peter, the race director, presented each runner with their medal and t shirt and congratulated them individually.

I would definitely recommend this race. You will need to train hard on steps and hills, and even then, will most likely find the cliff section brutal, but the reward for doing so is immeasurable.

Thanks Guernsey. It was a blast!