Round The Island Isle of Wight Multistage Ultra Report
June 19^th to 20^th 2010


Event Report by The Running Bug Forum

This was hosted by XNRG, who also host The Druid Challenge in Nov.

The Challenge was 69 (about) miles over two days, clockwise around the Isle of Wight following the coastal path, the event being open to both walkers and runners. I took the liberty of entering myself as a runner, race number 46.

The majority of competitors arrived in West Cowes during the evening of Fri 18 Jun, our accommodation being the sports hall at Cowes High School (also the finishing point), having a free evening to mix with “the yachties”.



Day 1 Cowes to Brighstone - about 36 miles

This was pegged as the longer section , about 36 miles and the hillier too. After breakfast, registration and safety briefing the walkers set off at 0800 hrs from the slipway at the Cowes chain ferry, the runners doing likewise at 0900 hrs. The route of the coastal path was clearly marked on the maps supplied, there were 3 CPs to hit, all had plenty of fuel and water though this was to supplement runners own stores and not be relied upon as the only source of food and water. I won't go into an account of each section or mileage but the highs and lows of the day:

High: Cheers at each CP and not one instance (that I know of) of the local populous shouting daft remarks as we run past, mostly looks of amusement/amazement.
Low: Hot, damm hot.
High: Blasting through barely shoulder width leafy trails through woods. Yeehah!
Low: Shanklin, 156 steps, leg killers.
High: A hug from one of the ladies at CP2 (23 miles) when I told them this was now the furthest I had ever run.

From CP3 at Blackgang Chine they told me I could see the camp site some 6 miles distance, a white speck on the horizon. That last six miles seemed never ending and I was cajoled along for the last two miles or so by a lovely young lady from Canterbury. Through the funnel to the finish line my Garmin said 38.58 miles. I must have looked damm rough as they said you stay right there we will bring a chair and tea/cake to you! Once I could stand up unaided it was time to pitch the tent and grab a shower before a most excellent evening BBQ and communal chin-wag before gratefully climbing into my sleeping bag about 10:30pm. 



Day 2 Brighstone to Cowes – about 33 miles

Awoke feeling tired but strangely in better shape than I thought I would, the main ache being the tops of the thighs. A chilly start to the day though bright. Had to walk for the first two miles before even thinking of breaking into a jog, the majority of the pack soon becoming just small dots in the distance as we stragglers brought up the rear. CP1 was at the Needles and what a superb view there was too. I think when we hit CP2 my informal running buddy and I were 2nd & 3rd last! My buddy was suffering with his legs and I felt guilty about leaving him as I had done this yesterday and he had become just a wee bit lost as he did not bring his map with him. I felt great it must have been the Ibuprofen. By chance we were caught by the last man and so great you now have a map between you – bye! (my buddy said he knew he was holding me back). I forged ahead, a lone runner/walker for the rest of the day. My plan was simple – on the flat and downhill run, uphill walk only if need be. I couldn't understand how tired I was yet how much energy was in my legs, I think they knew they were going home. Before CP3 I had overtaken another straggler – one of the army boys raising money for the Help for Heroes. At some point around I realised here my Garmin had given up causing me to verbally abuse a herd of cows, after which my thoughts were introspective but still maintaining a theme of verbal abuse, details of which I will not divulge. 

CP3 – 6 miles to go is that all? Quick get up, food, water, two gels – sod it there's no point in saving them! All out now. I caught up with two more runners some 1.5 miles down the road (up the hill?) later – two more of the army lads, YES, out of the way coming through squaddies, you two can walk if you want to! Up over the cliffs at Thorness Bay then a gentle leafy track down to Cowes – I felt I was flying. As I hit the promenade at West Cowes there was no respite from the sun but what was that about 200m ahead – looks like a runner with a back pack! Catch him catch him slowly but surely overtake hello you ok enough water good bye bye pull away pull away. From the promenade a short hill then some killer steps – gasp for breath last of the water keep going last little bit I can see the finish flag! 500m, 400m, 300m, 200m, 100m through the school gates into the funnel. Mission complete. I would dearly love to know what my mileage was but I'm happy to leave it at 69 miles, placing 29th. This was my first voyage into the world of ultra running and as such a lot of the runners were not expecting me to make it through the first day alive let alone beat anyone. 



Main lessons learnt/thoughts:

Do not underestimate the power of the sun, even with a coastal breeze cooling you down – sunscreen is a must as I am now pink, red, blue and brown – I look like Bertie Bassett's dad.

At the CPs eat as much real food as you can. I was 10st 4lb last week, weigh in today was 9st 12lb so its pie and chips a few times a week for a while. Do not show me another gel.

Bottles over bladders as you can gauge your reserves and easier to refill.

Don't feel guilty about leaving your slower buddy behind – he will be fine, its an island he can't go that far off course. 

In a sports hall try and get a space near a plug socket, take your GPS charger.



Overall:

This was an event for runners, organised by runners who understand runners, you could not have asked for more from the XNRG team. Next year's event is 25/26 Jun 2011. Worth it? Hell Yeah!

Competitor Race Report source: The Running Bug Forum