Where did you stay?

Llandrindod Wells

How did you get to the location/race?

The race is in the small town of Llanwrtyd Wells in mid Wales. Myself and family flew over to Liverpool on Friday afternoon and travelled the 2hr drive by rental car to Llandrindod Wells where we were staying. It was just a short 20 mins drive to the town of Llanwrtyd Wells on the morning of the race which started at 11am.

Were you running for a cause?

No

Why did you decide to enter this race?

I’d heard about this mad race years ago whilst watching a BBC series called ‘Natural Born Winners’ but it was only recently a family friend reminisced about the time he and some friends from Jersey competed back in the 1990s....on Mountain Bikes! He said I had to do it. I registered in January only to find out it was almost immediately sold out, so was put on the reserve list. I couldn’t believe that I finally got the confirmation about four weeks out from the race after originally being 89th on the waiting list!

How was your training? Did you have a coach?

I was already training regularly and when I found out I was in the race, my coach switched the training to more specific sessions, focussing more on trails with a bit more elevation.

How was the race organisation beforehand?

Really good. It’s an event that’s been running over 40 years, so they have it well sorted. Good communication via the Facebook Group and official emails explained the concept and rules clearly.

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

I set out with the objective to just enjoy the event. Where else can you race against riders on horseback over beautiful undulating and challenging terrain! I started nice and steady, not pushing too much until I found a pace that was comfortable for the 24 miles and 4,600 feet of elevation of the course.

Were there any unexpected challenges you faced during the race?

The horses! Honestly, the riders were all very nice and generally gave you fair warning as they came up behind you. You definitely have to keep your wits about you, especially on some of the singletrack parts of the course. The hills were also pretty unrelenting at times, but where there’s an up, there was also a down, so you could pick up the pace and grab some time back.

How did you manage to overcome those challenges?

By having a positive attitude and just enjoying the whole experience. My strategy generally is to buddy up with some other runners, which I did for a large part of this race. It’s always good to meet new people and have a chat on run, which I think helps pass the time and takes your mind off some of the pain!

What was the best bit?

Hard to pin point one thing. The event is just such a unique experience. Although there are close to 1,000 runner’s including relay teams, and 60 plus horses, it still has a kind of small local race feel to it. It’s very authentic and not overly commercial and long may that continue. The scenery was also very memorable, both on the course and in and around the surrounding hills and valleys.


What was the worst bit?

There wasn’t one! Ok, maybe some of those hills were pretty tough!


How were the crowds/supporters?

Superb. The race starts in the town centre and the locals all come out to support, creating a fabulous atmosphere. Support on course was just as good, both from marshals and the crowds of supporters.


What would you do differently next time?

I wouldn’t change a thing. This race is all about the experience, the course and the atmosphere.


What advice would you give other runners doing this race?

Train for some undulating terrain with some longer climbs. And build your strength so you can enjoy the parts of the course where you can run freely and pick up speed on the descents.


Would you recommend this race to other runners?

100%! This should be a bucket list race for every runner. I couldn’t recommend it more highly.


How did you celebrate completing your race?

Lots of post-race pizza, a couple of beers and a lovely evening meal with the family.


What's next?

50km Serpent Trail (July), Round the Rock (Aug), and 100km French Ultra (Sept).

Any final thoughts?

Had a blast, wore the Rock n Road colours and would love to do it again, maybe with some fellow Jersey runners in tow.