The Fell Runners Association (FRA) Long Distance Award What is the FRA Long Distance Award? The Fell Runners Association (FRA) Long Distance Award is one of the most prestigious accolades in the world of fell running. Established by the FRA, this award recognizes outstanding achievements in long-distance fell running, celebrating runners who have pushed the […] The post The Fell Runners Association (FRA) Long Distance Award appeared first on Run Ultra ..read more

Drew’s Angel Creek 50k The mist shrouded the mountains hiding their peaks & adding a mysterious air to the dense forest surrounding the Angel Rocks trailhead. A moose morphs out of the thick undergrowth and disappears again so quickly I question whether my mind conjured up this vision. It’s Saturday August 3rd 2024 and I’m […] The post Drew’s Angel Creek 50k Report appeared first on Run Ultra ..read more

I was glued to my computer screen with bated breath waiting and hoping for some news that would change my year! It was a cold Saturday afternoon in early February and I was tuned into the Live Chris Kostman show and he was about to announce the selected 100 competitors for the Badwater 135 Ultramarathon, AKA ‘the […] The post BADWATER 135: Turning my Ultra Running Dreams into Reality appeared first on Run Ultra ..read more

I became aware of the Lake, Meres and Waters in 2022 when I supported Alex Staniforth to Coniston on his successful attempt. Even though it’s not the usual mountain round I’m used to, my interest was piqued and the seed fully planted when supporting Sarah Perry on her completion. The different perspective on the Lake […] The post Lake, Meres and Waters Report by Ben McGovern appeared first on Run Ultra ..read more

Shires and Spires Ultra Race Report In the winter of 2023, I started trail running ‘proper’ with a couple of ~12km fell races navigating the dales and edges of the Peak District. Having survived these events, I naturally decided that I was fit enough to sign up for a 35 mile ultra around the comparably less intimidating rolling hills of Northamptonshire. What follows is a summary of that race and my experience of it as a rookie ultra runner. With 5 friendly aid stations, 600m of ascent, and a beautiful course exploring the quiet country lanes and thatch-roofed villages surrounding Naseby villa ..read more

Lake, Meres and Waters Report I was first introduced to the Lake, Meres and Waters route back a few years back having moved up to the Lake District and joined Achillle Ratti as a mountaineering club following a recommendation from my good friend Fiona (leg 1 support runner). I distinctly remember a number of nights alone visiting the Wasdale hut having had adventures on the hills, and sitting down to read the copy of Lake, Meres and Waters that lives at the hut and I guess over time the idea took hold that I might one day have an attempt and see what this epic looking route really looked like ..read more

The Gruelling Winter Munro Challenge – an Interview with Anna Wells When “Climber is first woman to bag gruelling Winter Munro Challenge” appeared all over the local newspapers in the Scottish Highlands, I just had to arrange a chat with Anna Wells. My first introduction to Anna is with her handing me a couple of banana muffins – so not only is she a climbing legend in my eyes, but a baker too.  Anna, 34, completed a Winter Munro round in just 83 days over the Winter finishing them all on 20th March this year. Completing the 282 Munro’s is a big deal in our neck of the woods – a Munr ..read more

Lakes, Meres and Waters Report I was first introduced to the Lakes, Meres and Waters route back a few years back having moved up to the Lake District and joined Achillle Ratti as a mountaineering club following a recommendation from my good friend Fiona (leg 1 support runner). I distinctly remember a number of nights alone visiting the Wasdale hut having had adventures on the hills, and sitting down to read the copy of Lakes, Meres and Waters that lives at the hut and I guess over time the idea took hold that I might one day have an attempt and see what this epic looking route really looked li ..read more

How ultra runners and crew can avoid sleepwalking into disaster If you’ve never seen a sleep-deprived runner trying to recalibrate after a dismal, crumpled car-nap, a Coke and some chips, it’s a sight to behold. A couple of nights into a long-distance ultra, I think these runners all do much the same; spin around on the spot a few times while gazing desperately to lock focus on the tiny trail on their watch, before waddling off like an unsteady toddler taking first hopeful steps. You want to grab them lovingly by the shoulders, point them in the right direction; prime the kid for the opening g ..read more

Keys 100 2024: My Hottest Hardest Hundred! “South Florida and the Keys are under a severe Heat advisory for this weekend with a Heat Index of up to 115ºF. Drink plenty of water, stay in the air conditioning and keep physical activity to a minimum!” announced US local TV stations and The Weather Channel and that definitely got my attention as I would be running the entire length of the Florida Keys, from Key Largo to Key West, and I knew then that I was glad I’d done the heat training! This race can literally throw any weather at you in May and you just have to be prepared for that. I ran ..read more