Run Report: Race to the Stones 2019

Never in a million years did I think I would complete an Ultra marathon. Before I begin with my run report, lets just define what an “ultra” marathon is; a term which seems terrifying and intimidating to many novice runners and non-runners alike!

An ultra marathon is any distance greater than a marathon distance, which is 26.2 miles or 42.195 km. So, you could complete 26.3 miles and technically you’ve run an ultra! However, my ultramarathon was 50km or 31 miles.

After the high of London marathon in the April of 2019, there was no stopping me as I decided I wanted to take my running one step further.

I had already witnessed running friends completing these crazy runs, but with 42 km under my belt, I figured 8km more wouldn’t be too bad! Goal set: complete an ultramarathon. After a bit of research, I set my sights on Race to the Stones. It fell on my birthday in July so what better way to celebrate?! Yes, I am slightly mad and know it may not be everyone’s idea of fun!

Race to the Stones is a 100km route along Britain’s oldest path down in Oxfordshire, following the historic trail past Wayland’s Smithy, Uffington White Horse and Barbury Castle before reaching the iconic ancient Stone Circle at Avebury. You can do the full 100km in one day, 100km in 2 days with an overnight stop at the basecamp in Wantage, or do either 50km on day 1 or day 2. I thought I may as well go the whole hog and do the 100km with the stopover to recover. I was trying to be sensible as this would be an extreme challenge.

Despite my efforts to be mindful of my training and injury history, I ended up Achilles tendinopathy meaning my mileage had to be cut back significantly. Aside from the marathon, I only managed to get up to another 26km run before the event. I contacted the events team and decided to drop down to the day 1 50km event instead of the whole 100km; I knew it was best for my long term health. I was also raising money for Alzheimer’s UK in aid of my Nan who had recently passed, so still wanted to complete an ultra for such a good cause.

I had arranged to stay with a friend the night before as she lived close to the start, so me and my very nervous mum set off on the journey to Oxfordshire. I could barely sleep due to a mixture of anxiety and excitement. I had done all the preparation I could but it was still the fear of the unknown. Run kit laid out, hydration and nutrition sorted, route vaguely studied; I just hoped for the best and wanted to enjoy it! The morning of the race was sunny and clear but cool initially. With my start time of 7:30am it was ideal as I knew it would soon heat up in the July sunshine. I did my usual faffing about before the start; visiting the portaloos several times (unnecessarily), warming up, adjusting my backpack and an obligatory pre race pic courtesy of Mum.

There was an array of start waves based on predicted times and I was in the first starters, hoping to finish in 4-5 hours. An extravagant display of cannons and firelighters indicated the start and the lead runner set us off into the field towards a cobbled track. I settled into a nice comfortable pace and started to chat to surrounding runners. I mentioned it was my birthday and a few started singing to me! The route was rural and I was taking in the gorgeous scenery which made the first 10km fly by. I then remember coming through a field and was faced by a large hill; eek, wasn’t expecting this so soon! Other runners started to walk up it and I decided after a few strides I was wasting energy so did the same; I probably made it up quicker than trying to run it!

My mum was driving to meet me at the second pitstop roughly half way so I had that milestone in mind to keep me focussed. Pit stops were every 10km and are a chance for runners to stop and pick up fuel including bananas, watermelon, salted nuts, flapjacks, flat Coke and energy gels. I hear even the delights of a cheese and marmite sandwiches were served at one!

As my watched bleeped at 22km I could then see the 2nd pitstop flag and a faint shouting in the distance. It was my mum! She cheered me on and sang happy birthday with a few other spectators and told me to “stop if you want to!” “I don’t want to!” I replied. I was loving it and it was a great boost to keep me going. I passed through the Field of Dreams with a stunning view that is iconic. The scenery was fantastic and the undulations took my mind off the distance.

Until I got to around 35 km and could feel myself lagging in energy and knees starting to burn. I had sipped my electrolytes sensibly throughout and taken on my 2 gels and energy bar but in hindsight that wasn’t enough. I passed some runners from the start who spurred me on and I just kept thinking of the finish line. I could see the 4th pitstop indicating 10km to go and contemplated stopping to refuel but figured by the time it kicked in, it may not be worth it. In hindsight, I should have stopped but I can be too stubborn and head strong at times!

The final 10km were a struggle, made worse by the fact it was uphill and there was a head wind. It was approaching midday now and was hotting up. Spectators along the ridgeway lifted my spirits, the memories of my Nan were motivating me to carry on and I thought of the charitable donations made to Alzheimer’s UK.

The flags of the basecamp were in sight and I dug deep as much as I could for the final stride (couldn’t call it a sprint) to the finish line. I was congratulated by the host over the megaphone and I collected my medal in a blur. Mum rushed towards me and hugged me then I did a few staggered circles before plonking down on the floor.

A short trip to the medical tent was needed to pop a blister the size of golf ball on the side of my foot! After the reality had set in, I refuelled and took advantage of the fab showers and freebies on offer. There was even yoga and music later! Flip flops and compression leggings on, I hobbled to the car with mum and we began the drive home where I was going to celebrate my birthday properly with a large G and T!!

After the event the glory continued; it turns out I was actually the first female to cross the line and I was awarded with a spectacular glass trophy. There was a bit of a delay as I had changed from the 100km to the 50km, but nonetheless I received the recognition in the end and was delighted!

My time was 4 hours 32 minutes but that didn’t matter as much as the distance I had just covered. I had done it. I had completed an ultra marathon.

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