
Vale Coastal Ultra 2017
Mad people running a stupid distance!
What more can be said about an Ultra race? 32 miles was the distance for full course, although due a rock fall it was kindly extended to 33.7 miles! The short (most inappropriate word ever) course was a mere 18.5 miles…again extended to avoid the rock fall. Starting in Penarth and Porthkerry respectively the route followed the coastal path all the way to Ogmore-by-Sea. It took in 14 beaches, many cliffs, a power station and a couple of lighthouses at Nash Point. Not sure how much any of the runners would have appreciated the scenery though!
The undulating terrain would in itself have been enough of a challenge, but the rain in the past week didn’t exactly help out and then the sudden contrast of sun during the race made it a bit of a killer. Wales in April, who would have predicted sun???
What I can’t forget to mention was the support at the finish. Absolutely outstanding, cheering and encouraging all the way to the line.