Peddars
Way Ultra
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Unofficial Results |
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We set off after a quick brief at 8am. I quickly managed to fall into pace with a chap called Craig and we ran together for 26 miles with occasional appearances from some other friendly runners. Within the first mile we had to cross a low bridge which was a few hundred yards long and totally submerged in water in parts, so that was the first soaking. The mud was ankle deep in places and big puddles appeared often. I took a tumble at 8 and 16km, which is not unusual for me, probably talking too much.... With the first checkpoint a while off we settled into a nice chatty pace and it was soon upon us. The table was laden with all manor of goodies but we stayed only briefly to have a couple of cokes (never had this, really tasty and hydrated me well, the sugar was most welcome) Forging on we came across a field which was pretty badly flooded. A runner in front of us had been submerged up to his chest so we spent a while figuring out the least 'wet' way through as well as helping the next few runners get through. Soon we were at checkpoint two, and around five hours in. Craig was much faster than me and wanted to ramp his speed up so we parted ways. I had a coffee and changed socks before heading off solo. The next twenty miles or so were a bit of a test on the mind, I really didn't realise how hilly the area was, following the acorn waymarkers led me along the sides of fields each one rising and then dropping in elevation and pretty much all the same for miles and miles, the surface was rocky and muddy making it difficult and requiring much attention. Luckily I had an iPod to keep me going and soon dug in. Seven miles into this half was another checkpoint and I downed a coffee while the lovely ladies filled my drink bottle. This was the last stop before a 12 mile slog to the end. After about six miles I lost my way and ended up circling a field. I've learnt it's best to go back as soon as you think it's the wrong route so I did this, it was so difficult and the legs were pretty shot. I soon bumped into another runner and he had just figured out the correct route so we stayed together and chatted as we ran. Soon it was time to get the head torches out and we were only five miles from the end. I was beginning to feel pretty hopeful for a sub ten hour time. A few small wrong turns and another tumble from me delayed us a little bit but we ran on to the sand at Hunstanton beach in a reasonable 9.47hrs. Not bad for a hilly muddy wet ultra. With no facilities to change I jumped in the car and turned up the heating to head home. Highly recommended for a challenging run and really good organisation and a low price. Sarah |