I actively enjoy ultra running. I got into the sport for the big point-to-point challenges, traversing vast landscapes on foot. I love routes that take me through river valleys, over mountain rocks or across sandy bays. I’m endlessly curious to see around the next corner. That’s not what I’m going to get in The…
It’s been a year with injury management and physical breakdown a constant threat, but nevertheless 27 marathons and ultras were completed in it and some of the most epic experiences in life, let alone in running. 1 Greenham Common A looped marathon. A looped marathon is a great way to test a sore leg. If…
Is ultrarunning – and long hours of physical activity – good for your mental health? Recently my friend Stewart gave a full account of a DNF at Copthorne 100, a very hard hilly race of 10×10 miles laps. It is a race with an extremely high attrition rate. At 50 miles Stewart wasn’t going so…
This time next week I will be in Chamonix awaiting the Friday 26th August start of Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc. It’s a prestigious race and for many the ultimate goal of ultrarunning, the nearest thing ultrarunners have to cycling’s Tour de France. It’s a full circuit around Mont Blanc, Europe’s biggest mountain, anti-clockwise from…
Frank Wainwright was recently a runner participant in the Mongol 100, a 100-mile, 4 day crossing of Lake Khovsgul with participants making the journey on foot, skating or by fat bike. The event had just 12 participants – all of whom had signed up in 2019 for the COVID casualty 2020 event. The lucky 12…
On Saturday, I completed my 50th Marathon or Ultramarathon. It came up as a surprise. When talking the other day, I speculated that it must be nearing 30, so I had a check, made a list, appended with numbers, added in the one that I forgot, and suddenly it was 49. Maverick South Downs would…
An article that I wrote for Field Marketing magazine, supported by Eurotunnel Event review content including photos and interview with the celebrity athletes, a tour of the event, stands, shops and promotions, and the participating in the running… and listening to Rick Astley!
Let’s start with the Ooser himself. He was represented by some kind of popular mask worn in mummer style occasions. The Ooser was never truly famous, even back 120 years or so ago. Even when this evocative carved wooden head and moving jaw was at the peak of its powers , the Ooser was known…
The last 12 months have reminded us all that the world is small enough to transfer viruses around it at a record speed yet large enough to provide infinite variety local to home. You just need to swap the telescope for the microscope. My love of travel is, for now, packed away in its suitcase.…
In December 2019 I looked ahead to 2020, the most meticulously planned year of my life with 20 outstanding endurance running events booked and scheduled in amongst my cut down office workload. I sunk a vast chunk of savings into entry fees, travel and hotels. But what a year in prospect! Spoiler alert: It didn’t…