Hope 36 - Finally Back to Racing

 It’s strange to think it’s been way over a year since I last raced. Due to being deployed or being quite ill for a long period of time prevented me from treading a start line. 

So the build up to Hope 36 for me was not my normal build up. I was ill up until basically June (including ending up in A&E) with tests still on going now as they try to work out what is going on. So although I was allowed to keep running (thanks Doc) and my miles have been consistent whilst running everyday (Over 5 years and still going) the actual training hasn’t been happening. The Doc said to carry on what I was doing but take it easy. Then leading up to the race two weeks to go, I caught the lurgy again and still had it just about at the start. 

Bib Number for Hope 36

So for those who don’t know, Hope Trail Festival started 10 years ago as a one off 24 hour race to raise some money by the legends Danny Slay, Pete Drummond and 4 other fire fighters for charity. It grew over the years and last year was taken over by GBUltras who have a portfolio of events around the UK. Wayne Drinkwater the owner of GB Ultras had race Hope 24 in the early years so was fully aware of the community and event that was built by Danny and Pete. 

This year was the 10th Anniversary of the event, only missing 2 due to deployments I was eager not to miss this one. The event has played a big part of my running career over the years. I decided to run the 36 hour event again, but I was more excited about seeing friends, who I’ve not seen in a long time. 

The race weekend came, and Thursday like always I went to help out set up the course etc. I had already pre booked the time off work before I knew the loading pattern at work, so the latest group of recruits I pass out on the Friday. This event is always been a community thing, so it’s always nice to see others come and help where they can. It also allows me to set up my tent early as well which is a bonus. 

Race morning, and I was awake at 0630 (still in work mode although this is a lie in for me). This would be the last time I sleep for quite a while. I get down to the event arena and help a little more with the set up. 2100 was the start time, so it does keep me busy and my mind off the race for a while. Keeping my RaceZilla attitude to a minimum. Full of nerves, and just a dick basically. 

Eventually it was time, there were a few more 36 hour racers this year, which is good to see. People stepping further out of their comfort zone and also realising it could give them a better chance of the 100 mile buckle compared to 24 hour race, if they race it sensibly. It had been chucking it down with rain all afternoon right up until the start time. So now I had to decide how I was going to cope with wet feet from the start. Then I realised I has some gortex walking trainers. So I decided to wear them until either the wet grassy areas dried up or a trodden path formed by the runners appeared.

So the whole idea if the 12,24 & 36 hour race is to smash out as many 5 mile multi terrain hilly laps as you want. This still of the timed event is ideal for all runners wanting to step into the world of ultras, see how far they can go or just want to put some miles in with out the worry of cut offs. You can do just 1 lap of you wanted, it wouldn’t be the cheapest of 1 laps but if that’s what you wanted you can. The event itself is still good value for money. Like everything prices do go up and I have no doubt will do again, but it’s worth the pennies in my honest opinion doing this events for as long as I have. 

Having not raced for a long time, and not been fully well for a long period, I was going out to have some fun and see what I can do. The last time I did 36 hour race I was awake for 51 hours. I don’t plan on that happening again but we shall see what the body says. 

The race started and off we went! 5 miles of beautiful trails, with the sunsetting, the head torches were worn as we lost light pretty soon especially going into the wooded sections. I wore my gortex walking trainers to run into start with. I was going to change into my newer Asics Trail shoes later on.

18 hours into the race pic by AG Images

Soon enough we were into the early morning hours, and I was tired “zzzz”! As I came into the wooded section of of the course after the long slog up Pylon hill, I started to fall asleep whilst running. This wasn’t fun, I tripped over roots a couple of times also. As I made my way back to my tent after finishing that lap, I sat down and thought I should try and kip. I tried but no bananas. I went out for another lap and by this time the sun was starting to rise. 

Boom! A second wind came and a went smashed out another 3 laps full of energy and the legs feeling ok. I changed shoes, feet were still dry and I was no longer feeling tired (first mistake). This was not good! Post those laps I started to be on a major come down. Like I had taken something to enhance my performance and it wore off. (I hadn’t taken anything just in case someone started wondering). My happy hormone levels had dropped, legs start to feel solid as I made my way round the next couple of laps.

Sunday morning Sunrise

I had taken a break after each lap, fuelling and hydrating. But now the breaks started to get a little longer each time (second mistake). I still couldn’t nap (3rd mistake) and I was struggling on course. I was starting to not enjoy myself out there. 

A couple of friends had a massage gun, which they kindly offered for me to use to see if it would help the legs out. Never used one before, as I have looked into them and found they don’t really do anything like they suggest but worth a shot! I gave my legs a good battering with the massage gun, but sadly I was correct. It doesn’t really do anything. 

The second night came and on with the head torch once more. Again being so tired and awake for over 40 hours at this point, I started to trip and fall sleep whilst on the trails. (Having spoke to others I wasn’t alone in this, others felt the same during the first and second night and one even actually went to sleep on the trail floor lol). I got back to the ten after the lap and decided to try and grab a couple hours of sleep. I fell straight to sleep and woke up after a couple of hours. It bloody worked to my legs felt great again, they recovered pretty quickly. I went out and put some more laps in. The buckle had already gone from my grasp so having those few hours sleep wasn’t going to make a difference. 

Finish Selfie

I went out on my final lap with 20 mins of the 36 hours to go. One more lap it was! The 12 hour racers had already finished at 2100 the day before, the 24 hour races soloist and team relayers were still flying around as they still had more time to go. They started at 1200 on the Saturday. The last lap did seem to drag, but I was the last 36 hour racer still out on course. 

My little family who crewed me, came out to the last section to join me before heading to the finish lien to see me finish. As tradition, I always sprint finish the final arena section to the finish line. Off I went! But as I approached the finish line, there were awards being given to those already finished and podiumed of other races. I never got my finish line action pic, I usually got. As the last 36 hour finisher I did feel a little forgotten about due to the awards ceremony being done on the finishline. I grabbed my medal, went on got a post race portrait. And that was that! 80 miles completed with in the 36 hour period. Not my best by far and I am capable of more but with how my year has been, I am proud of myself. My run streak continued, so that was pleasing too. 

Post Race Portrait by Dan Bentley

I was able to go up the and down the stairs the following morning with out issue, pretty much no DOMS, so I went for my usual recovery runs for the week. I'm really pleased how well my legs recovered. Now I can look at getting back training seriously whilst continuing my run streak.

It was great that I got to see old friends and make new ones along the way. I enjoyed myself out there for the majority of the race, can’t say I enjoyed falling asleep whilst running lol. The race event itself still holds that special place in my heart. I’m glad it’s continuing on under GBUltras. Yes they are still learning and trying to find ways they can improve, but they have done a great job this year! 

So I can still highly recommend this event, especially if you want something to challenge you, an event with a great atmosphere and an event worth the pennies. We have lots of event companies folding down here in the South West, and this event is worth making the weekend of! 

Well done GBUltras

Until next time

2017 - Plenty of Ups and Downs

It's been a while since I blogged, and to be fair my running has been a bit lack lustre too, so it sort of went hand in hand.

2017 started off pretty well to be honest, I hadn't booked in many events because I wanted to give a little bit back to the family as they were spending a fair bit of time chasing me around whilst I ran.

The year started with the Cousin Jack Classic II race. A 17 mile South West Coastal Path (SWCP) race from Cape Cornwall to St Ives put on by Bys Vyken Events. Throughly enjoyed this little tough race. The section of the SWCP isn't easy to run on for various reasons, however that didn't stop me enjoying it. Click the link for the Blog Cousin Jack Classic II. My good friend David has put on some good events and I go on to do another later in the year.

The final stretch to the finish at CJCII

The first big event I ran in '17 was Hope24. This was the 4th year I was involved with in some capacity. Again I helped set up and then ran solo once more. With weather interrupting us and it becoming a 17 hour race instead after postponement I didn't get as many miles in as I wanted. I did get to run/bimble alongside my wife for one lap which was great as it's something that doesn't happen often (sadly she twisted her ankle during her first lap but she did manage 3 laps with it strapped up in the end). Got a hug off fellow blogger and runner friend Sarah (see her blog here Sarah's Blog) so another bonus. She's great!

I was then due to run in the CQ44 again but sadly I couldn't run it this year. Not disappointed as I had run it before.  Soon enough I was getting myself ready for the biggest event of the year. The big adventure where I was to run from North Wales to South Wales via the Offa's Dyke and Glyndwr's Way then the following day after I finish race Mudcrew's "The Plague". It wasn't a complete failure in fact I still achieved from it. It just didn't go the way it was supposed to go. But then that's life really, It wasn't out of my depth, just things didn't go to plan and I had to adapt, improvise and over come. I still raised a lot of money which was the main goal. It gave me some amazing experiences and some fantastic memories. Like all my other adventures and races, I also learnt lessons to take forward. Here's the YOLO blog YOLO 17 and the Plague blog The Plague .

Watch the video YOLO 17 Film

A week after my epic adventure across Wales, I ran my last big race of 2017 "The Madness of King George". A 12 hour strict ruled 1 mile laps of King George's Memorial Walk in Hayle, Cornwall. David of Bys Vyken Events again created something quite special. As it was only a week after my Welsh run I wasn't sure how this was going to go. Luckily it didn't go badly and I finished it! It def holds a special place in my memory bank this one. Madness of King George race

2017 also allowed me to host my first guest blogger. I was approached by a publicist to see if I would host an author who's book was about to launch. As he is a runner and it was about his record run around the Wainright's Round, how could I say no? It was good to do and I enjoyed his book to which I can highly recommend. Here is his blog There is no Map in Hell part 3 .

2017 also brought me some major downers as well, first of all there was a group set up to slag me off behind my back. Worse of all it set up by someone who was supposed to be a friend. They tried claiming it was "Banter" sorry it's not when it's behind someone's back. Then I got accused of cheating because Strava amended some of my race times and it made me look like I was an Olympic Athlete. Without talking to me about it went and started slagging me off at my local running club, and this then went out in public. I've never cheated, I've never amended any runs. I'm not exactly trying to win anything and my performances that are all noted down in the results show I'm not great. Why would I want to cheat with mediocre performances really? My Garmin files show nothing was amended. it just shows the type of people they are really. Especially fi they thing Strava is the be or end all. Then an American Running forum "Let's Run" (I'm not even a member of it) on a thread to do with another British Runner, I get mentioned (because I commented on the other runners FB status) as "too thic to be an ultra runner" Thic is urban slang for fat. Yes I am not a racing snake I know that. But body shaming is never on in my books. The recent "This is Me" song from the Greatest Showman film says it all really.

So as you can see a real mix bags for 2017 for me. 2018 hasn't started off well, I've had to defer my Arc of Attrition 100 mile place to 2019 due to now deploying. Sadly that is the way things go in my line of work. At least it give me even more time to get prepared for it, I am already looking at races at the places I am going with work and found on already so silver lining and all that.

I am looking forward to my running overseas, and I'm starting to plan my next big adventure run!

Thank you to all my readers, my wife and son and my sponsor Tailwind Nutrition UK!

Look out for my up coming blogs of my overseas runs.

Hope24 2016 - "A very special type of 24 hour endurance event."

For me this always has a special place in my running heart, it's sometimes difficult to explain why a 24 hour event would be that special especially when there are other great versions out there. However Hope24 is a little bit more than another 24 hour running event. Is it because it's not organised by a business or company? Is it because it's organised by one man who manages to seduce the running community in to help him create the event? There are many factors that could be considered but by being a small part of it, I understand why this small non profit charity event won 3 National Running Awards this year. Yes 3, it became the Best Trail Event (under 1000), Best New Event and was 3rd Best Charity event. 3rd, is fantastic when the winner was Race for Life an event that is national and has 100,000's of runners all over attend one of their events and Hope24 last year only had 450 ish in total. That alone shows you already why this has become a special event in the running calendar.

3 x National Running Awards

This year was no different when it came down to the effort put into setting up. The days before I along with a couple other local runners went down and helped Danny Slay set up the course and the arena, marking out a slightly modified route which is each is slightly different to the previous years to keep it fresh and keep those coming back wanting more. After walking setting up plenty of it, and later running it during the event I can tell you honestly, it was a stunningly tough course which was slightly tougher than the previous years.

Just setting it all up, the buzz we were having about the event was already showing between the 4 of us. By Friday morning, we had pretty much set up everything which previously we'd still be marking things out.

It all started to come together

After a few beers in the Friday evening catching up with friends and listening to the band laid on for entertainment I decided this year to sleep at home to try and get a good night sleep prior, however with my 5 year old son, this was but only a nice thought and I didn't get a sleep I wanted. I arrived early Saturday morning at the arena and wow! The place was heaving with runners and supporters. I knew we had more numbers this year but the atmosphere was electric. Bimbling around chatting to people and seeing others there were many nervous and excited people about. By now Colin and Elisabet Barnes (myRaceKit) who have been very supportive to me had arrived with their pop up shop. They love the event are big supporters of it. It was great to catch up with them and have a good natter, as I knew I'd not get a chance later on. These are two of the finest athletes and human beings I know and I know a lot of people take my word.

Myself with two of my favourite runners and friends Elisabet and Colin Barnes (MyRaceKit)

This year was also a first for Hope24 as they were hosting two children races a 2.4km run and a2.4 mile run depending on the age of the children. My son who's started to get the running bug big time and has already run a few parkruns now, weeks before decided he would actually like to run the race. So the 2.4km was his first official race. Despite only recovering well enough to go to school the day before from days of fever he still ran. Despite coming last it didn't matter, the atmosphere for him was electric. If you have ever seen an Iron Man event where the winner is high fiving everyone on both sides of the finishing straight, this was my boy. He was milking it big style and it made me a very proud dad I can tell you! I was even given the medal to present to him, trying not to well up was difficult but I managed it.

My son and wife before his race start. I was very proud.

Soon after all the runners from soloists to team relayers were gathered on the bank behind the race village for a group photo. It's mad that from the 1st year of just over 100 runners in a small group photo to around 600 runners which 200 were soloists were now gathering to do the same thing.

A quick thank you and race briefing was given by Danny and his partner in crime Pete Drummond (who like Danny is another ultra runner) as they prepare everyone for the start. Soon enough the runners took their place on the starting line, this that line was missing the two previous winners Richard Keefe (2014) and Matt Biscoe (2015 and course record holder 135 miles). They were however there in support of the event and the runners, like true gents.

I'm not going to go into too much of my own run as I don't feel the need to, I will briefly mention up until 15.5 hours and 10 laps (50 Miles) I was feeling fantastic but I had shredded the bottom of my feet (something I need to find out why) and I couldn't continue on, but I wasn't gutted just annoyed at my feet as I felt good for another 20/25 miles and I was mentally on my A game. I live to run another day.

Just before the start

The race started with the horn and clock started to tick down! As mentioned previously the course was definitely tougher, in the same distance covered in the 24 hours last year there was another 1000ft of climb in total I covered on 2015. The start took us around the arena where it was a slight decline until you reached the first bridge to cross. Low and behold one of the greatest marshals I have ever met and now I can say a good friend Captain Pink Beard himself Kevin Guild stood proudly. Every year he has stood there for the whole day, night and day supporting every runner who passes him by, offering support and even charging up phones so I hear this year. One thing this event does well and that is marshal! This year even more people came forward to help out which shows what sort of community event it has become.

Captain Pink Beard himself pic taken by himself

Turning right from Kevin took you straight up the first hill, which after a few laps felt it went on further than 1.5 miles. It wasn't steep but it wasn't a slightly incline! Once you reached Thomas (or Gordon the debate is still out on this one) the Tank you have a slight decline so a bit of a respite as you made your way to the next marshal point.

With the well known course landmark is it Thomas or Gordon?

Upon reaching these forever cheerful and motivating marshals which were rotated about throughout the 24 hours, you turned up another climb to the bluebell woods, this is a stunning section of the course. Eventually what went up must come down and we soon ran down a steep  technical decline. The route from the bottom then takes you along side the river towards the shooting ground, this year we didn't go through the shooting ground, but we went up the next steep climb which is around 2.5 miles in to the course, until you reach the marshals at the top again. Once you've caught your breath a nice downhill section before one more little climb. Just before you got to 3 miles you started the long downhill back towards the arena and this was a mixture of track and grass with the grass bits at a slight camber. Once over the bridge at the bottom you go back through the arena however as each lap you do you notice it is a very slight incline and you start to feel it each lap heading into the next section of woods, where you then greeted by another group of marshals who spent the entire 24hrs camped there, cheering everyone on, watering them, feeding them etc. I say group because they're made up of my wife, son and my in laws.

All the runners felt this every lap!

Their CP soon became known as "Disco Corner" and one of the runners favourite parts of the course, sometimes only second to the finish. My wife even came for a run with me around the next section which took you over a bridge up and zig zag incline and then down and around back to the CP. Little do people know how much my family put into this marshal point, with just a event shelter and wobble light provided, all the food, water, additional lighting, music, generator which ran the music and the wobble light (and fuel) as well as morale and support for the 24 hours. (Next year my wife has decided she wants to run the event for the first time so all this won't be provided by my family next year).

 From there you hankered left up up another small climb into another section of the woods which is new this year following a trail will took you above the arena, you could see all the lights and partying going on down below. Eventually you came down a grass bank and into the arena on to the finishing straight.

Disco Corner - created by my family

The whole atmosphere in the arena was out of this world, the supporters camping, around wood fires, drinking their wines cheering everyone on, the other runners supporting everyone in and around the course, is still something I have yet tried to find close to at other events.

Now let's look at other aspects of this event, the cost was £45 across the board for every runner, which makes it one of the cheapest endurance events out there and most definitely the cheapest 24 hour event in the UK currently. You get a nice tech t-shirt, a fantastic medal, some little bits of goodies and we had a bottle of beer at the end. Additionally you could buy a Hoodie and also a limited edition Hope24 Buff original (those who know me know I love my Buff's). Also in the entry you got to run a very beautiful tough well marked, well marshalled course with some amazing people!

Pete kept everyone going as MC all 24 hours with his music and commentary. The weather was hot during the day and Baltic during the night (cars were frozen solid and frost on the ground) and then red hot again once the sun was up. People were putting some of the best if not thee best performances of their lives in. Friends of mine were running further than they have ever run before and I truly think it was down to the event for helping them do so.

My boy and I with our medals

So far the event has raised over £12,000 for the charity Hope for Children which the charity themselves even had a team of 4 running. It's an event I have been looking forward too all year, and I am already waiting for the registration to open for next year as is many others. With a limit of 750 runners I would be very surprised if it doesn't reach it this year and it won't be long before some sort of waiting list or ballot would be needed as it's popularity rises. With this event and Mudcrew's Events down here in the South West we are starting to have some great races in this part of the world, which means those who do live locally finally do not have to travel to get to a great event. The fact people are willing to travel from the most northerly part of the UK as well as abroad shows that down here we put on some great events and long may it continue!

Sunday morning at Disco Corner with my in laws pic by agimages 

So why not head over to the website and when registration opens, you enter one of the best events in the UK Hope24 Website

For me this event was about training, and until my feet issues everything went well, the kit I used from my sponsors X-Bionic UK and Sunwise worked for me very well in the day and night. I can't thank my sponsors enough, they continue to support my efforts and the kit they provide is the best. So despite me only running for 15.5 hours I still very pleased how things are going, and now starting to focus on my next race which is the Classic Quarter 44 in June.

Thanks for reading

Owain

HOPE24 24 hour Endurance Race - Live it, Love it, Run it 2015

Brace yourself for this blog it may be a biggy!

For just about a year I have been eagerly waiting for a certain event to start. Last year I was involved in HOPE24 a new event in Plympton, Devon. I marshaled the event because I wasn't sure if I was going to be working or not so didn't enter. I got such a buzz from the whole thing, I wanted to run this year for sure! That is how it all began.

Having got to know Danny Slay the Race Organiser really well over the year since, I wanted to help him as much as I can. The event isn't a commercial one, it's proceeds go to charities and not his pocket. He doesn't have a team of paid staff that help him create what I would call something extraordinary. So as I found out I was not working around the event I offered my services over the two days prior to help set up the course and the arena.

Danny wanted to spice the course up a little from last year, so made some modifications, but the main one was having the runners run it in reverse to the year before. This making the big climbs much different as was the downhills descents. Only a handful of people knew this so the runners returning for another beasting were in for a surprise.

The course concept map (drawn by Matt Bisco, winner 2015)

Soon we were pretty much up and running and with runners starting to turn up to pitch their base camps for the event, I did so myself and making sure I had a prime spot in the Solo Camping area. Perk of helping with the course set up.

With my base camp set up on the Friday night, even though I only lived a couple of miles away literally I was going to camp that night as well, so I could catch up with friends coming down for the event before it all started. I hardly had anything to eat that day so when the Luff Bus a catering bus putting on food for the event (all through the night) turned up I had to sample some of it. Home made food is the best and that is what they provided in my honest opinion. I cracked open a couple of beers and sat down with Danny, Pete (Danny's sidekick) and a few others before finally turning myself in for the night and getting to sleep around 11.30pm ish.

My Base HQ I think the biggest tent on the campsite

9th May 2015 the day of the race, 4.30am and my body naturally woke up, be it through excitement or because that's what my body loves to do to me sometimes to annoy me I don't know but it wasn't the way I wanted to start the day for sure.

Just down the road was my local parkrun PlymValley where I run direct. This was starting at 9am and as HOPE24 wasn't starting until 12pm, it gave me ample of time to fit a timed 5k event in before hand. Another event to knock off from the 37 I am doing in total. So the idea was to run both events. Event 14 of 37. I ran the parkrun at a leisurely pace and end still whilst doing so helped a fairly new runner beat her 5k personal best. I didn't hang around or too long after the parkrun I had to get back and get my self prepped ready to go for running around a course for 24 hours.

I prepped my kit and my food/supplies I needed for the 24 hours and waited for my support crew (one of my best mates Craig) to arrive and for the start of the event. The atmosphere was starting to buzz, with Pete banging out the tunes and doing the announcements and the weather which was horrible first thing now sunny and warm, the place was now getting electric!

I was also very privileged to be given the bib number 001, mainly because I was first to register, but in most races this number is given to an elite runner. It felt special regardless of the real reason it was given to me. 

My support crew Craig

Event 15 of 37 Hope24 an 24 hour Endurance 5 ish mile off road lap event.

I was joined on the start line by my Brother in Law Paul who I entered into the event for his birthday present (I'm good like that HEHE!) He hasn't run much recently since the birth of his son, and has never run further than 12 miles! So he set him self a goal target of 35 miles as he though that was a sensible achievable target and I set my self a minimum of 50 miles. I set 50 because for some 24 hour events I have seen and read this is a minimum to be classed a finisher. Having been ill for almost 4 months and with the way training and other events have gone, this was a smart target for myself. I was on the road to recovery but not 100% recovered from whooping cough. I was about 95%-97% recovered. So Paul and myself had our goals. For me to get to mine I had to go through Paul's so I thought it'd be good to have company for ourselves so I decided to stay with him and get him to his goal, then I would only need a to do a few laps by myself to get to mine.

The Start (taken by Craig)

12pm Race starts as the hooter blows and now the party really starts! There are soloists and team relay runners setting off. The soloists all started and run the laps how they wanted. So if they wanted to smash out 8 laps before a break or do a lap then a break and repeat they could do so. The teams had 1 runner out on the course all the time, taking in turns. teams were made up of pairs, 3's, 5's and 8's.

So there will be around 170 out of the 460 odd entrants running around on the course pretty much all the time so me and Paul will never be out there by ourselves for very long time. Our first lap went well, with the plan of running the flats and down hills and walking the climbs to conserve energy, we soon smashed out two laps. We decided to have a good break after two laps and rested for about an hour. It was warm out there and I had caught the sun well! During the break Craig my support crew got me a coffee ready and got me any supplies I needed. This break was mainly snacks, I smashed in a banana which I dunked in Peanut Butter and some coconut water.  I also had some flat coke a cola on the go as well. Craig also adopted Paul under his wing as Paul had no support crew so now looked after us both.

My Mantra for this event ticking off laps as I went

 The laps are a tough 5 mile course, with two 300 odd ft of climb hills and descents. You start in the arena where there is constant support, music and just great atmosphere you go out and into the woods towards the shooting ground, where there were a group of marshals there. I say a group because it was my wife, son Gethin who had that area named after him after last years event "Gethin's Gate" and my in laws. They set up their motorhome, music, water station and just provided the morale us runners need throughout the day, night and back into day again.

From there you headed up the first stonking hill climb after you passed through the muddy trail. At night I was freaked out by orange eyes which happened to be deers as they hopped passed. Once you got to the top of the hill, through the blue bell meadows, then head back down and around until you hit "Gethin's Gate" and the ultra marshals once more. This no was the 2 mile point and you soon head back towards the arena.

The first climb pic doesn't show it very well (taken by Craig)

Bluebell meadow (taken by Craig)

 You approach the arena and the support goes mental once more as people you've never met are cheering you on. As a solo runner I seemed to get more support than I could've asked for. They had what appeared a little bit of respect for those braving out the solo attempts. Within half a mile later the lap soon took you over a bridge (where the noisy peacock lives) and to the second hill climb again of around 300ft of climb but this time the gradient was different. It was steep first then once at the top of the deer park then reduced into a long incline which felt after a few times never ending. It finished eventually when you got to Thomas the Tank Engine (a horse jumping obstacle). You knew then it was down hill all theway back to the arena. The down hill was a mix of off road track and a section of the only tarmac of the course. It was  a killer especially on the feet as they were pushed down the end of your shoes.

My self with Danny (Race Organiser) and Thomas

At the bottom you were greeted by another ultra marshal called Kevin. He was back for another year and the bridge by his marshal point was named after him. Again he was out there in the rain, sun, wind, and cold nights cheering, supporting and helping those that needed it. The guy is legendary! It's people like him and my family marshaling that make these events what they are.

Kevin Guild (Captain Pink Beard)

Once you've crossed the bridge you are back in the arena with about just under a 1/2 mile left to the start/finish point. You are led past all the supporters once more as they are camped around the arena and you finish your lap.

My elevation chart from the event almost 6,000 ft of climb in total

After my first couple of laps I took a 10 minute break and headed out once more. 3 laps were knocked off in good time, still running mostly with walking the inclines. After I nailed the 3rd lap I stopped for my first proper break. I took an hour, taking off my shoes and socks to let my feet breathe in hope to prevent swelling (this worked very well). I knew after marathon distance there was a good chance of blisters in parts of the feet I have had them in the past. So during this break I stuck some compeed on and started to vasoline my feet and toes up. I took on some snacks, wiped down my face from the salt crust that formed from the sweat during the heat of the day and soon got back out there for the 4th lap.

It wasn't long after 4th and into the 5th lap the sun started to set and Paul was into a territory he's never been before distance wise. Our chats were still going ok as we plodded away, but I started to feel cramp set in both my groin muscles. So my next big break I was getting a massage by Body Balance which were giving all the entrants massages throughout the 24 hours. Probably the most awkward massage I have ever had been it was needed and did the trick.

End of Lap 4(taken by Craig)

Night fell and head torches were on and runners were settling for night time running. Some chose to get some sleep (those who smashed out a good mileage before hand or were feeling a bit ill) some like myself and Paul carried on with out sleep. The relays were still going but some of the bigger teams are able to get a good break before their laps. I had a visit from Jonathan Cousins, a friend from work who timed it right to catch me as I was just about to get ready to go out again. This type of random support really does help a runners morale in an event like this.

The music was turned down a little but was still going on through the night, I was on a good break again before my first proper night lap. I took my shoes and socks off once more. I was planning on changing my shoes from trail to road for a bit of comfort althought the woods were muddy I could cope as long as it didn't rain. My bare feet were cold so I put my little gas heater on. I then in my tired state thought "ooo I could warm the bottom of my feet up" So I raised my feet towards the heater. Within a split second I realised not a good idea as I had compeed on my feet which soon melted to my skin! Action support crew! I tried to peel them off but it had caused blisters underneath and was also peeling the blisters. So Craig had to cut them off the best he could and I stuck some more over the top. Doh!!!

Finishing first lap of the night (taken by Craig)

 Good thing about this event was they allowed the odd support runner to come out and keep runners company, something some events don't allow. So Craig came out for the first night lap with us. By now though our running had started to really slow down, and walking came in. Paul's knee was in bits and with my feet in bits and lower back twinging every so often it was making life a little difficult.

As the night went into early morning the fog came in and soon it was like a scene from American Werewolf out on top of the second hill. I added an out layer to keep a little warm on the top of the hills which was just about right because I was little too warm in the sheltered areas in the woods.

During the breaks I took on more food, a couple breaks were long so had Spag Bol in a boil in a bag format. It was quick to cook and tasted ok. The food stayed down and seemed to do the trick. I also ate ready salted crisps to help add more salt in my intake. Coffee and cuppa soups were had and I also kept taking in the coconut water (natural isotonic). I was very pleased with the way my food and drink was going. I carried around in my Inov 8 Race Ultra Vest water in the bladder and two bottles filled with isotonic drink.

I was starting to feel a little sick on the hills now though, a bile type sickness. I kept it at bay drinking water as I went round but it was something I couldn't shift. I had learnt after the event I should've drunk milk!

By now I had got Paul through his 35 miles and now he was still going to keep me company to my target. We reached the 9th lap as morning broke and the fog was slowly going. As we hit the top of the second hill Paul turned to me and said "What the f*ck is going on with the trees? Are they moving?" "Don't be silly" I replied. I looked up and I too hallucinated seeing the trees do some weird shit! " Don't look at the trees! Don't look at the trees!" I said to Paul and focused on the track in front of me.

We finished the 9th Lap and had a good break. It was about 8am and I only had 1 lap to do by 12pm to hit my target. I could've fitted another 2 or 3 laps in but my mind was set on my target and with feeling sick on the hills my mind just didn't want to go up those hills more than I had to. I took a long break to recover trying not to fall asleep.

Craig was planning on keeping us company for the last lap but was really gagging to go. He was a nightmare because I know he wanted me to do more he knows I am capable of more. I also had my parents coming up as well, I wanted to wait to see them before I headed off too. This was the first time they have ever been to one of my running events and for them to see me finish this one was a really big morale boost.

10.30am came and I got up and went out! I saw my family marshaling before they packed up to see me and Paul finish. We made our way around the first half. Still runners praising our efforts as they passed us, just like they have done all through the event. Mutal respect was had by all.

We headed in to the arena towards the second and last hill climb. We past some some supporters who cheered me on. Then something myself and Paul heard really caught me by suprise and hurt me. "Walking solo is alright I suppose, it's easy" said one unknown supporter to another as I passed by. Tiredness kicked the emotions in and that upset me. I was already in bits what was the need for that?

It pissed me off, but it also drove me up that last hill. We eventually made our way back down past Thomas for the last time, and down the tarmac, I started to jog as I started to see Kevin at the bottom. I said thank you once more to Kevin and crossed the bridge into the arena.

I then thought I'll show those tossers, and picked up my pace. I said to Paul "Sorry, but I'll see you at the finish" and really started to sprint the last 1/2 mile. I was going for it. My back and feet were killing, I was holding back the tears. I was drained but I pushed and pushed all the way home!

I crossed the line, and collapsed. I gave it all. I was spent.

Spent!! (taken by Craig)

Me, my wife and son Gethin (taken by Craig)

 Not long after Paul who had also got into a run, crossed the line, and I gave him a hug. We had done it.

Me and Paul at the end (taken by Craig)

The Kit I used was X-Bionic Trick Top and Running Shorts, Sunwise Canary Wharf Glasses, Various pairs of shoes. I also tried out Black Diamond Z Lock Poles, they saved my knees on the hill climbs for sure.  Inov 8 Ultra Race Vest which was a great bit of kit especially for this event and of course I wore a good selection of Buffs!

 Now what made this event so special? It's not that the event's proceeds go to two great charities and not the pocket of the organiser. It's not that it's local to me, I would do it if it was up country. It's not because it was only £40 odd to enter. It's atmosphere, the course, the event as a whole, the team that created it and most of all it was the friendships that were made from it.

HOPE24 is not just an endurance event it's an experience like no other. To be able to run it with friends, to make new ones as well is something I am truly thankful for. I ran with my friends from TEAM BUFF UK, my running club Plymouth Musketeers, my fellow parkrun director Matthew Bisco who went on to win the event and break the course record with 135 miles (27 laps).  The event attracted soloists and teams from all over the UK literally and I believe France too.

Me and TEAM BUFF UK

It's one event, I will be not hestitating to enter again! I certainly LIVED IT, LOVED IT and RAN IT.

14th/15th May 2016 HOPE24 is in my diary put it in yours!