UKC

I'm on the lookout for my first ultra next year, somewhere around 50k would be ideal with some height gain but not Alpine nor Highlands style.

I'd quite like it earlier in the year and somewhere South of say the Liverpool/Sheffield/Lincoln line.

That's your brief, any ideas?

Thanks.

In reply to Tony the Blade:

Ladybower 35 (mile) not the most interesting course, but nice views. Mix of road and good trail. No big climbs, but lots of little ones. It's in September and as you probably know, 10 miles from Sheffield.

In reply to Tony the Blade:

There a 2 say 70 miler along Hadrians wall in June I think.

In reply to Tony the Blade:

Have you had a look at this site?

http://beyondmarathon.com/

In reply to Tony the Blade:

Might Contains Nuts Black Mountains Ultra - 33 miles, end of March.

In reply to Tony the Blade:
The London Ultra, in, erm, London is a better route than you'd expect, most on the Capital ring paths

In reply to Tony the Blade:

I'm not sure where you're based but the Pilgrim Challenge is down on the North Downs in February and could be just what you're looking for. It's two days, 33 miles each (so around 50km) mostly on trail, with some decent height gain about (1000m). You can just do one of the days if you like. I was able to get down there and back from London on the train too (they pick you up from the station if required).

It was my first ever post-marathon distance and I enjoyed it - a gentle but challenging step up. Here's the run data so you can get an idea of the profile.

http://app.strava.com/activities/18590940

It was well organised and friendly, although the year after I ran they had massive snowfall and freezing temperatures so that time of year it could be a bit of a lottery (cold, dry and clear when I ran it).

In reply to Tony the Blade:

Try this site, plenty to choose from

http://www.endurancelife.com/events-list.asp
Well organised and lovely locations

In reply to Tony the Blade:
Sandstone Trail in Cheshire, 33m linear route (coach to start). Cheap, loads of food, not too much climbing. Traverses an entire OS map and I might take your picture
http://www.helsbyrunningclub.org.uk/sandstone-intro.htm

In reply to Tony the Blade:

Not sure if it's just south or just north of your line, but my first ultra was the Haworth Hobble (Wuthering Hike). 32 miles, 4400 feet ascent, March 15th. I tend not to do many races more than once, but I've done this one twice and may do it again next year.
http://kcac.co.uk/kcac-events/haworth-hobble/

The New NickB: I like the look of this, might be doable later in the year.

Beat me to it!: I'm afraid that's a bit too far North for me.

Richie Rich: Great site with lots of races/runs, thanks for that.

Days on Rock: Now that does appeal, good length and only a few hours away!

Nick Harvey: I also like the look of this as it's local. From that site I also saw the London Parks Ultra which also looks good in September.

Yorkshireman: I've seen this race a few times while trawling the web, it looks great but a two dayer might be pushing it, although I have done my fair share of MMs.

Bjartur i Sumarhus: Another great site, the Coastal Trail Series looks perfect on so many levels!

SteveRi: And another one that I like the look of!

Toreador: A tad too far North, but one to consider if I throw in a trip to my parents!

Thank you to you all for taking the time to reply, it'll take me a while to get through all the www's, but thanks. I'm currently reading Relentless Forward Progress which is both inspirational and scary in equal measure.

Thanks again. Tony

In reply to Tony the Blade:

The ladybower one is terminably dull

Try Peak district intro ultra - 30 miles in June, really great route

http://www.digdeepraces.co.uk/

In reply to Tony the Blade:


Sounds like you've got more than enough options here but for the record the Pilgrim Challenge you can choose to do just one of the days although it makes it point to point rather than there and back which obviously complicates travel options.

In reply to Tony the Blade:

We did high peak 40 as our first this year and highly recommend it, lovely friendly down to earth well supported race.

In reply to Tony the Blade:

Anything organised by endurancelife is usually a great day out. Classic Quarter (Lizard the Lands End) was my first ultra. Awesome scenery, thoroughly recommend it.