Written by Nicolas Muller

First credits:

This race would not be possible and so well managed without the most dedicated team of RDs and volunteers that I’ve seen on an ultra so far (more on that below). To Wayne, Laura, Ian and all the others, a massive Thank You. 

Disclaimer: I am starting to write this several months after the race. Everything is a bit blurry in my mind. However, to be honest, everything was a bit of a blur right after the race already, and even during the race. I do not usually see the point in describing one’s own personal race minute-by-minute, in particular here if I can’t recall most of it, so instead I’ll try to give some memories, tips and tricks based on my experience during the race. Hopefully it helps. 

Written by Roger Webster

7 Years  to run The OCC  

I was accepted onto OCC on the 3rd attempt. Unfortunately it was then cancelled (Covid) and I deferred the next year (thought it was going to be cancelled) so 7 year after starting to collect points I was in and ready?   

Over the 7 years my knees were beginning to play up so would now attempt it as a power hike rather than a run! Could I keep up 5km per hour while allowing an hour for every 1000m of climbing, 141/2 hours in total. I would be going faster at the start, (6.5kph) but could I keep it up? 

Written by Lawrence Eccles

To try and make this report less of the standard race report of, route description, got sick, felt better etc I decided to do it as lessons learnt that I, for the most part, already knew. I went with 6 lessons as I finished 6th.

tdgshoe

Written by Euan Fitzpatrick

This isn’t the story I thought I would be telling. I thought I would be reforming the monomyth, where I embarked on my adventure along the West Highland Way, faced a host of trials and ultimately crossed the finish line stronger and wiser. A journey of self-discovery after which I could impart wisdom with impunity. I’ve not got any of that. What I’ve got, instead, is the most beautiful memory of a beautiful day – and I’m even less sure that people want to hear that. Be warned this is a blow-by-blow account…

I’ll put it down now for personal posterity and to ensure that I don’t embellish the truth to the point of utter fantasy.

Written by Ian Conway

Before running the Lakeland 50 in 2021, several family members told me I would finish it and want to do the 100 in 2022. I wasn't so sure, and after finishing in a little over 10 hours, I immediately said I couldn't and wouldn't do the 100. It took a few days before I changed my mind completely and put reminders in my diary to make sure I didn't miss the entry date!

Training

My training went pretty well on the whole, with a few hiccups along the way.

Written by Anthony Stevens - https://www.oldiesultras.com/

2022 Silva Northern Traverse: 2-4 April 2022

 
Pre-Race 
 

There is something special about Coast-to-Coast races. Something about the fact that when you finish you physically cannot go any further without running into the sea.

Written by Harry Adair

This is just a short(ish) report for those who were perhaps tracking or following my progress and wondering why I was so slow and why I gave up with only 32 miles left to go.  

Some background info. I was running this race with Ben Hall, one of my running chums from the Marathon des Sables in 2015. We had both tried to do this race in 2016 along with Gavin Fletcher, another MDS chum, but Ben pulled out half way between Shap and Kirkby Stephens and I gave up at Kirkby Stephens, Gavin made it to the end.

Written by - Antonio Codina

The why

I just love running winter ultras in the UK, which is strange because I am Spanish and in theory I am more adapted to milder climate. How the hell did I end up embracing being out for hours in the cold, wet and darkness of the UK winters? I have lived in the north east of England for a number of years and I love it here, but I can tell you that the first two years I found the winters very long and dark. I am sure I was even suffering from SAD. Slowly I started to make friends and know the area better and I started to do a lot of hiking and climbing in winter. I discovered that the best antidote for winter blues was to get out in the elements regardless of the weather. Believe me, when you come back home after a winter day in the hills you are glad to be indoors. Yes, that is right, instead of being sick of being at home you are glad to be in the house! I also find that there is something satisfying about being out there when the weather is shit while most of the people are indoors.

Written by - Colin Bathe

February 1st/2nd 2019 - Cornwall

At school I was always the second to last person to get picked for a team in games. This was because I was rubbish. Games wasn’t something I hated like some people, it was just that I wasn’t very good at it. I would like to think I did better at the cross country running but I think this was mainly due to the kids who were bunking off in the middle of the course coming in behind me.