Russell Gardham took part in this ultra on Saturday. (40 miles - EEK!)
"On Saturday I ran the longest run of my running career so far. I came 44th out of 160 finishers (and 40 who withdrew during the run) in a time of 7h30m28s.
The course was 40 miles of up and down in the gorgeous surroundings of the Peak District. In total there were 12 checkpoints and funnily enough I was not looking forward to checkpoint 10. I knew that from 10-11 was 3 miles on tarmac road and the running shoes I’d selected did not have much give in them, so I knew that my knees and shins would take a beating.
I started slowly in the village of Buxton with 200 other starters. I gradually moved through the pack eating up the miles and never stopping at the checkpoints for longer than 30 seconds to grab a quick drink and half a banana. I was afraid stopping would have my legs seize up.
We were well greeted by trekkers who all acknowledged us, congratulating our efforts (although I’m sure some of them were secretly shaking their heads) and spurring us on for mile after mile.
This was the third attempt I’d made at this event, the previous two were failed attempts after I’d entered as a walker and ran out of light and was withdrawn at checkpoint 11. I’m told as a medium distance race that it was well signed, however a few people (myself included) did take a wrong turn adding on extra distance, which is not good when you're expecting to do 40 miles already.
The fuel on route was top notch, although I took 5 gels and 5 energy bars, but only got through the gels, next year I’ll just take the gels. We were also feed warm food at the end, this was help yourself, but there was plenty for everyone and I’m sure the later finishers would also have being well fed."
Well done Russell and have a good rest now!
