I was (easily) talked into doing my first ultra. The Grand Union Challenge 50k along the Grand Union Canal.
I wasn't sure what to expect out of my body for such a long distance - 5 miles longer than any race I've done before. But I began to train. Then I got injured and had to stop for a while whilst the osteopath sorted out my hip.
Change of plan - walk the challenge! Cue lots of longs walks in training once the hip was fixed. Lots of long walks in the hot sun as they were prepared me for an event that was run on a very hot Saturday in June.
The start is a short stroll from Maida Vale tube at Paddington Recreation ground. Here we registered and were given a timing chip on a lanyard, a booklet map of the course and a snap on reflective band as a minimum protection for those who would be walking in the dark. The large marquee also provided shelter from the already warm at 08:00 sun, tea, coffee, biscuits, water and High-Five sports drink. Some of the charities involved also had gazebos and there were plenty of portaloos (never seen such short queues at an event) for the number of challengers.
Runners and walkers could pay to have their larger bags transferred to their finish points and also to half way point for the 100k challengers. Runners could also have a bag transferred for free as long as it was below a certain size and weight.
The participants were started in waves 30 mins apart with a few hundred in each. A member of the guild of toastmasters performed the announcements and a trainer provided a Zumba warmup for each wave. The course is mostly flat (apart from small rises to lock on the canal or crossing bridges form one side to the other) and not difficult to follow although there were still plenty of markers to assist the challengers. Terrain was gravel paths of differing grades of gravel - some pea others more tricky palm sized 'rocks'. The trees alongside the path provided some shade and respite form the sun.
Rest stops were provided at 15, 25, 35 and 50k (not sure about after that as I only completed 50k!). These stops are away form the path in parks and green spaces. The intermediate stops at 15 and 35 had tea, coffee, water and sports drinks as well as fresh fruit (apples, banana, melon), salted nuts, crisps, chocolate, raw nuts and dried fruit, sports bars and gels and bakery goods.
At 25 and 50 there was also hot food. Unless this was your finishing stop however the food had to be booked and paid for in advance. The 25k hot food included burger, sausages, and chicken breast along with buns, salad and pasta. Most of the food at 50k seemed to be pasta although there was also a veg curry along with the salad and rolls.
All participants receive a medal, t-shirt and glass of bubbly at their finish.
I'd recommend events from this organisation - smooth and professional set up.
I wasn't sure what to expect out of my body for such a long distance - 5 miles longer than any race I've done before. But I began to train. Then I got injured and had to stop for a while whilst the osteopath sorted out my hip.
Change of plan - walk the challenge! Cue lots of longs walks in training once the hip was fixed. Lots of long walks in the hot sun as they were prepared me for an event that was run on a very hot Saturday in June.
The start is a short stroll from Maida Vale tube at Paddington Recreation ground. Here we registered and were given a timing chip on a lanyard, a booklet map of the course and a snap on reflective band as a minimum protection for those who would be walking in the dark. The large marquee also provided shelter from the already warm at 08:00 sun, tea, coffee, biscuits, water and High-Five sports drink. Some of the charities involved also had gazebos and there were plenty of portaloos (never seen such short queues at an event) for the number of challengers.
Runners and walkers could pay to have their larger bags transferred to their finish points and also to half way point for the 100k challengers. Runners could also have a bag transferred for free as long as it was below a certain size and weight.
The participants were started in waves 30 mins apart with a few hundred in each. A member of the guild of toastmasters performed the announcements and a trainer provided a Zumba warmup for each wave. The course is mostly flat (apart from small rises to lock on the canal or crossing bridges form one side to the other) and not difficult to follow although there were still plenty of markers to assist the challengers. Terrain was gravel paths of differing grades of gravel - some pea others more tricky palm sized 'rocks'. The trees alongside the path provided some shade and respite form the sun.
Rest stops were provided at 15, 25, 35 and 50k (not sure about after that as I only completed 50k!). These stops are away form the path in parks and green spaces. The intermediate stops at 15 and 35 had tea, coffee, water and sports drinks as well as fresh fruit (apples, banana, melon), salted nuts, crisps, chocolate, raw nuts and dried fruit, sports bars and gels and bakery goods.
At 25 and 50 there was also hot food. Unless this was your finishing stop however the food had to be booked and paid for in advance. The 25k hot food included burger, sausages, and chicken breast along with buns, salad and pasta. Most of the food at 50k seemed to be pasta although there was also a veg curry along with the salad and rolls.
All participants receive a medal, t-shirt and glass of bubbly at their finish.
I'd recommend events from this organisation - smooth and professional set up.
