Pre race

GU36 was my first attempt at ultra running. Although I ended up with DNF at the third check point I couldn't fault the event. I had heard about the event via a past participant and had seen vlogs too. Peter and the team kept me informed during my time on the waiting list until I got my place. The registration process was quick and painless. The pre race information emailed to us was very informative. It was my first experience of getting detailed course descriptions to read through and also having a mandatory kit list, amongst other things. 

Race HQ

The Liberation Monument was very easy to find, which helped to settle my nerves of where I needed to be on the morning of the race. Peter introduced himself to me and made me feel at ease. It's lovely when race directors engage with participants on race day. Certain a plus point in my eyes. The marshals were also very friendly and enthusiastic not just at the start and finish, but at each check point. A big thank you also to the marshal who took me back to St Peter Port, especially as I was very tired and a little emotional from my experience.

Course

I hadn't visited Guernsey previously but I can tell you the views I saw, particularly in the cliff section, did not disappoint. I didn't stop to take photos during the race, as I was concentrating on having a good footing. However I made sure to go back again the day after to get some of the views between St Peter Port and Fermain. The course for the first 16 miles is very technical. Full of climbs and decents via uneven stairs and slopes. It was hard to get any sort of rhythm going and you had to be wary of your footing. I would definitely recommend trail shoes even when dry under foot. For me it was extremely hard going and ultimately my legs suffered by the time check point two came around. The marshals at the check points were fabulous and encouraging. I had problems getting my hydration bladder back in my pack and was getting a bit stressed at one point so one of them helped me out. The aid stations were fully stocked with sweet and savoury foods, water and squash. When I eventually completed the road section between CP2 and CP3 the marshals made sure I was ok and gave me a calipo to take back with me. Whilst I didn't get to finish I was fortunate to run part of the last bit at parkrun the previous day so I knew that would have been extremely scenic too. You're given 2.5 hours to get to each check point. The first 16 miles alone will push you right to the time limit if you find it tough going. Given the course and nature of the event I knew crowd support wouldn't be like it is in road racing. However, the locals who knew of the race and the walkers we passed by on the cliff section cheered us on. 

It's an event I certainly want to come back and complete, hopefully next year. I have learnt a lot from my first ultra and will use that going forward for future ultras.