Where did you stay?

Air BnB in Wanstead.

How did you get to the location/race?

1 mile walk.

Were you running for a cause?

I had a SportsGiving page set up for Jersey Brain Tumour Charity.

Why did you decide to enter this race?

After running Jersey Marathon as my first marathon in 2022, I decided I needed a new challenge.

How was your training? Did you have a coach?

Training went surprisingly well. I got a training plan from Rik and I stuck to it almost exactly. I would definitely recommend following a coaching plan for an event as I’m notoriously bad for doing speed work if not programmed for me.

How was the race organisation beforehand?

Really good.

Did you have a specific race strategy, and if so, did you stick to it or have to adapt during the race?

Fuel well, smile lots and just do your best. I think it’s the best fuelling I’d ever done on the lead up to and during the race and there were no points where I felt I didn’t have the energy to carry on, my legs had me adopting a quite aggressive run/walk strategy after the 42km mark.

Were there any unexpected challenges you faced during the race?

The course was actually 51.5km rather than 50km and I’d given the remainder of my water to somebody who had no hydration on them. 

How did you manage to overcome those challenges?

Other entrants in the race, there were a few of us that got each other through the last part.

What was the best bit?

meeting and chatting to some really great people and the finish line feeling.

What was the worst bit?

A group of us missed a marker on the way back and we’re running for around 5 minutes the wrong way before realising and turning back.

How were the crowds/supporters?

Aid stations were amazing and because the course was an out and back, you were constantly seeing other runners and cheering each other on.  

What would you do differently next time?

Have the course map on my watch.

What advice would you give other runners doing this race?

Take plenty of fuel and hydration as the aid stations are 12/13km apart and there are only 3.

Would you recommend this race to other runners?

Definitely, I had no idea London had so much wood/ green space and it was a lot of fun running through the woods/ it’s a great first ultra as it’s not too technical and an out and back so basically a longer Rock n Road trail run!

How did you celebrate completing your race?

Lots of beers and a big meal out.

What's next?

I’ve recently completed my second ultra (again in London) but have sustained an injury. I’d like to build my speed up again and do a few shorter events but I’d love to start travelling further afield to do some destination races, not necessarily for speed. 

Any final thoughts?

It’s definitely introduced me to the world of ultra running and I’d like to do more in the future.