Fairlands Valley Challenge Ultra Marathon (New Ultra Distance added for this year) - Events

Spoons.

12/02/2011 at 14:49

I'm thinking about entering the 50km as my first ultra.

Does anyone know if it sells out?

Do you recommend it? The reviews are all pretty positive.

Ian M

13/02/2011 at 08:37

I thinking about it as it's pretty close.
Don't know if it will sell out, I think last year the marathon places filled up quicker (but not full in 24hrs quick) but the other distances still had spare capacity.
I did the 18 mile route last year, nice countryside, and great organisation. Certainly can't fault it.

Spoons.

13/02/2011 at 18:13

Thanks Ian,

I think I may just book it!

Spoons.

22/02/2011 at 23:09

Just booked it!

ultraBobban

23/02/2011 at 18:02

I did the marathon last year and despite the dull forst 2 miles and dull 2 miles at the return (think concrete happy town planning on LSD) the run (26.2 version) was a good one, mildy undulating, lots of nice vistas and some friendly runners with LDWA-style directions. Harder to find a good marathon or ultra this time of year so will probably be back, especially after my triple leg break in december. It will be a good training run

Spoons.

23/02/2011 at 21:46

"Happy town planning on LSD" lol

Triple leg break?

hendycfc

23/02/2011 at 22:07

Planning on this one, attempted to run the london ultra at the weekend but had to pull out at mile 23 with a knee injury picked up a few miles before...... Has been bugging me since to feel i have a score to settle.... anyone ran the 26.2 mile version what do we have to expect?

Spoons.

23/02/2011 at 22:10

I've heard a rumour they have bread and butter pudding at the checkpoints

hendycfc

23/02/2011 at 22:13

this sounds good

, Felt really under prepared for my first ultra attempt eventhough I was hammering out the miles... don't whether i will need to bring isotonic gels with me or if their is plenty on board I can imagine the middle of july being crazy hot.

Spoons.

23/02/2011 at 22:18

Crazy hot, heat stroke, chronic dehydration. I'm sure it will be awful.

My logic is it's just a marathon plus a little bit more.......

hendycfc

23/02/2011 at 22:20

Best way to look at it... Thats how I approached London Ultra.... until i got injured, but think i'll sign up

.... whats the worst that can happen apart from what you stated above

Spoons.

23/02/2011 at 22:26

Collapsing, heart attack, ambulance, dare I mention death?

hendycfc

23/02/2011 at 22:31

WHERE DO I SIGN

Ian M

24/02/2011 at 00:13

My first marathon's this coming Sunday (Chiltern Kanter), so I'm holding off till Sunday evening before deciding to enter the 50K.
Having said that, I'm already signed up for another marathon in 2 weeks time, so I think I already know what the decision will be

Spoons.

24/02/2011 at 12:16

I always find I cross the finish line thinking never again. That's why I need to book and pay for my next one before I race.

LiveYourDreamLifeToday

02/03/2011 at 00:18

Thinking about doing this as my first "elusive" marathon...

rolf

03/04/2011 at 19:31

Am I right in thinking that this race (50k option) involves navigating with a map rather than simply following signs? ultraBoban mentioned "LDWA-style directions" - what does that involve? How easy is it to get lost do you think?

Spoons.

03/04/2011 at 22:14

Rolf, I tthink it's following directions rather tham reading a map.

Ian M

04/04/2011 at 09:05

Yup, following directions, though I think they give you a photocopied map showing the general route to.
How easy is it to get lost?, depends on how easily you get lost

LDWA style instructions are a list of instructions along the line of -

Cross the field to the far style then TR onto the road.
Then in 100m TL onto FP marked Kimpton '2 miles'

etc.
There's a list of abreveations that are explained on the direction sheet e.g.
TR Turn Right
TL Turn Left
FP Foot Path.

Spoons.

04/04/2011 at 12:22

Sounds like I'll be getting lost then