Innholdsfortegnelse for October - November 2019 i Trail Running

Nature’s benefits As little as two hours per week in the great outdoors is crucial when it comes to improving health and well-being. According to a report published in Nature magazine, which analysed data collected over several years, when compared to no nature contact, the likelihood of reporting good health or high well-being becomes significantly greater at more than two hours per week. AM v PM It’s been said that exercising in the morning is better for weight loss but a recent study from the University of Copenhagen has called that into question. The scientists did show that morning exercise makes you metabolise more sugar and fat, while evening exercise increases whole-body energy expenditure for a longer period. But when all things are considered, one is not necessarily better than…

Unplugging your headphones and tuning into ‘the sounds of the trail’ is great, but listening to music can also have its benefits – in more ways than one. Scientists at the University of British Columbia have just released some surprising findings. Fast-tempo music was found to increase the enjoyment of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) despite its gruelling nature. This dissociative strategy means that participants were more able to ignore their physiological responses, such as sore muscles. Surprisingly, findings also revealed higher heart rates and peak power when music was playing. This can be explained by entrainment: an innate tendency to alter the frequency of biological rhythms toward that of musical rhythms. 11% The amount of extra time that ‘high performance’ runners spend in the air compared to ‘recreational runners’, according…

Britain’s Jacob Adkin made history at the European Mountain Running Championships in Zermatt, Switzerland, by winning the nation’s first ever senior men’s gold at the event, and helping secure team gold. “I didn’t imagine I would win!” he told TR. “I was hoping for a high position, and I’ve been training towards winning a championship medal; I just didn’t expect it to be so soon! “I wanted to stay controlled so I could use my strength on the steeper climbs later on. I worked my way through the field as the long climb started, and swapped position with the eventual silver medalist a few times. I was able to keep the lead and it was an incredible feeling to break the tape.” Adkin had moved to Chamonix to prepare for…

GO TO IT! #Trainbrave comes to Bath on September 29. A free event, spreading awareness and info about Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and eating disorders. More info at trainbrave.org LEARN IT! Learn how to run with efficient and natural technique with specialist Shane Benzie at a Mountain Ultra Skills day in the Chilterns on November 3. damianhall.info READ IT! Alex Stanifort’s new book Another Peak explores the peaks and troughs of mental health through the outdoors and adventure. It’s an inspirational read. alexstaniforth.com BOOK IT! Kendal Mountain Festival returns on November 14-17, with inspirational films, talks, activities and a trail race, in the Lake District. kendalmountain festival.com READ IT! The Big Rounds  by David Lintern is full of interviews, route descriptions and photos from Britain’s big three 24-hour…

British ultra runner Kristian Morgan’s attempt at an Appalachian Trail FKT ended after problems with his crew – he’s continuing on the 2189-mile trail without attempting the record. The FKT is 41 days, 7 hours, 39 minutes, set by Belgian Karel Sabbe in 2018. A Norwegian woman was struck and killed by lightning during an Italian ultramarathon during July’s Südtirol Ultra Skyrace, a 75-mile race in the Dolomites, Italy. French ace Caroline Chaverot has retired from competitive trail running. “I’m stopping the competition but my love of sport and mountains is intact,” said the former UTMB winner.…

1 Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. At the event, you will get wet, muddy, end up with rocks in your shoes and get scratches and bruises. In training, unplugging yourself from your favourite music and leaving the nice waterproof jacket at home will help prepare you for an OCR event. 2 Make sure you have the right kit. Deep lugged shoes are a priority as most UK races are muddy. 3 Make sure you occasionally train at a bouldering or climbing gym. This is the best strength training to keep you from bulking up too much and improve your grip strength. 4 Keep your mileage high but add in some exercises at set intervals. For example, take your favourite route and do 10 squat jumps every kilometre. 5 Research the…

RUN LIKE A GIRL Hydration, freedom of movement, easy to use – the three mechanics that make the Salomon Advanced Skin 8 Set W the most precise-fitting running pack specifically designed for women. Shop for the all-new hydration packs at sportsshoes.com. SOLE MATE Inov-8’s Roclite G290 is an outstanding all-rounder. Weighing 290g and with a 4mm drop, this is a flexible and responsive shoe that allows quick running while still delivering protection, support and comfort. The graphene-enhanced G-GRIP rubber outsole offers better traction and increased outsole durability over multiple terrains. inov-8.com LIGHTER, BETTER Be prepared for an Indian summer with this Montane Featherlite T-shirt. The DRIRELEASE cotton blend with POLYGIENE dries four times more quickly than regular cotton and helps limit odour. It has a crew neck cut and taped…

Taking those first steps involves a mixture of nervous tension, anticipation – apprehension, even – but also plenty of excitement. But, like a Chinese proverb, your trail journey starts with a single step, quickly followed by a fair few more! Over the next 10 pages we’ll take you from your first 10km trail race all the way to the top of the mountain, tackling a Skyrace. And don’t think you can’t; rather say, “That will be me one day.” You’ll surprise yourself. The following former trail novices did exactly that, and lived to tell the tale!…

Tom decided against using them in 2018, so we asked him to join the debate on their pros and cons... PROS They will save you energy on long, steep climbs – typically around 25-30% They can help with descending, giving you more stability on steep downhill sections If used correctly, they can add rhythm to your running, powering you through sections you may have otherwise struggled on They can help you tackle rocky sections, or where the path passes through streams CONS You need to practice using them before race day They – or other people’s – can whack your legs and cause cuts It’s extra weight to carry They can mean you might need to hike up climbs you would have otherwise run up They tie up your hands…

Located just outside of Lanjarón, Escolta Alta is a beautiful property set in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, with views over the surrounding valley and out to the coast. Enjoy the serenity and peacefulness of this beautiful location, cool off in the generous-sized pool filled with pure mountain spring water, and relax in the sunshine, or explore the town of Lanjarón with its artisan shops. There are regular flights to Granada. WHAT TO DO One of the most beautiful cities in Andalucía, Granada is a city of spectacular Moorish buildings, flamenco and tapas, all set within the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Enjoy a running tour of the city to point out some of the major places of interest, before heading out to the surrounding countryside and hills. trailrunninginspain.com…

1 MADEIRA Mountains, beach and plenty of sunshine make for a superb combination for any trail runner. After you run, sip champagne on a sea terrace or take a jeep tour and see the island. 2 TENERIFE This island is becoming increasingly popular with track athletes training in the winter sun, something trail runners have known for ever. This is a great volcanic island to explore and run on – all in the comfort of temperature in the low 20s. 3 NICE Easy to reach by air from the UK, this southern French location is a cracking spot that’s growing in popularity among runners. We’re big fans of the city for its many hilly routes within striking distance of countless hotels. 4 ALBUFEIRA This Portuguese city is popular for hundreds…

SCOPE Ensure that you’re taking on the right kind of challenge; one that’s right for you at this particular point in time. TARGET Set yourself an appropriate goal and regularly measure your progress towards it. This feedback will help to boost and maintain your levels of motivation. RESOURCES Make sure you have the necessary resources available to reach your goals. For most of us, this is a fairly simple matter of time and energy. If you don’t, you’ll need to adjust your ambition. EXECUTION Have a plan to get you there and be willing to adjust it as you go. If your training isn’t working out for you, then find another way to make the progress you need. TECHNIQUES Think creatively about the skills and capabilities that you’ll need. Do…

1 PICK YOUR SPOT The closer you get to the water, the harder and more packed the sand is. A low tide leaves hardening sand behind; this packed sand reduces the amount of energy you lose when running. “If I’m on the packed sand by the water, I can set a nice pace and do short pick-ups”, says ultra-runner Kyra Oliver. “Running where it’s loose can be a good strength workout that stimulates variances I might find on the trail.” In brief, run near the sea for shorter and faster sessions, while longer runs should take to the dry sand, which is ideal for strength-building and kindest to our joints. 2 START SLOWLY The unstable surface can be difficult for novices. Always start with a good quality, slow…

BROOKS CALDERA 329g (UK 11) brooksrunning.co.uk £150 Cushioning is the name of the game for these shoes thanks to Brooks' BioMoGo DNA that is specifically designed for a more responsive ride. This is a light shoe, designed for nice long runs – preferably on hard packed surfaces. The upper features a double mesh that is stretchy yet supportive. You probably wouldn't take them on a highly technical adventure tackling loose rubble and scree but you would happily race 10km along the canal paths in them. In fact, such is the cushioning you might even fancy venturing a tad further in them. They definitely have an ultra feel about them; they use a 5mm drop. VERDICT Wide fitting, soft and responsive. Comfortable 361 TAROKO 305g (UK 8.5) 361europe.com £95 Despite the low heel,…

HELLY HANSEN TRAINING JACKET £45 Worn by Marc Abbott Used for Five years I never used to run in the rain if I could help it, but when I did, this was the jacket I always reached for. It’s been getting lots more use in the past 12 months since I’ve been training no matter what the weather. It’s well ventilated at the rear, allowing hot air to escape; the front is showerproof, there’s a handy chest pocket for anything you’re not precious about (just in case it does get damp), and the whole shebang rolls up small enough to stuff in a pocket or clutch in your hand, which is especially useful when runs start chilly or drizzly then get a little heated once I up the pace. Considering…

DISTANCE ASCENT DIFFICULTY The Exe Estuary Trail is a flat, traffic-free walking and cycling route that takes in the full length of the Exe Estuary between Exmouth and Starcross with glorious estuarine views throughout. This route continues along the coast path beyond Starcross, past Dawlish and on to Teignmouth. There are regular train stations along the way, so you can run as much or as little of the trail as you like. A three-mile detour of the official estuary trails takes you to Exeter Quay, not far from the city centre, where there’s a good range of places to relax in the sunshine and refuel. Lutzy’s Café by Haven Banks is a favourite spot to stop and watch the world go by and there’s kayak and bike hire with an…

DISTANCE ASCENT DIFFICULTY This route takes in Froggatt, Curbar and Burbage, some of the most famous of the Peak District’s gritstone edges. The running is outstanding, with clear paths and glorious views throughout. Passing through the National Trust’s Longshaw Estate at about halfway you can stop for a coffee before deciding whether to return through the estate or continue across the A6187 on to Burbage Moor. The trail is good on the long climb to Upper Burbage Bridge and from here the run links smaller paths, climbing steadily to discover great views from Higger Tor. The enjoyable descent takes you past Over Owler Tor and back over the road into Padley Gorge before following winding woodland trails back to the start. These areas may get busy on a summer weekend,…

DISTANCE ASCENT DIFFICULTY On the opposite side of the Ogwen Valley from the Glyderau, the Carneddau range provides some big mountain challenges and includes the largest areas of high ground (over 900m) in England and Wales. The High Carneddau run is a challenging route, aimed at those with good mountain and navigation skills and only to be undertaken in favourable weather conditions. If you’re up for the challenge, though, it’s one of the best. Starting below Tryfan and close to the camping at Gwern Gof Isaf it heads straight up on to the mighty ridge up to Carnedd Llewelyn at 1064m. Continue on the high and rocky ridge to the summit of Carnedd Dafydd at 1044m and down to Pen yr Ole Wen, the huge rocky summit visible from the…

DISTANCE ASCENT DIFFICULTY Ben Lawers, overlooking Loch Tay, is Scotland’s 10th-highest mountain. But, despite being one of Scotland’s most popular peaks, its sheer size means it never feels crowded. This route follows a breathtaking traverse of the main Ben Lawers ridge, taking in five Munros, some airy ridge running and a short section of scrambling up An Stùc. Starting at the Ben Lawers Hotel you first tackle some strenuous grassy mountainside before reaching the rounded summit of Meall Greigh at 1001m. From here the running improves as the ridge becomes rockier over Meall Garbh (1123m) and a loose but easy scramble up An Stùc (1117m). For a circular route you can drop down past Lochan nan Cat but for some more amazing running continue up the ridge to Ben Lawers…

sEPtEMBEr 2019 Sat 14 Birchfield Harriers 10k trail Poppy run, Aldridge Airport, West Midlands Scenic race around an airfield and surrounding woodlands. cambaevents.co.uk Chiltern Wonderland 50, Oxfordshire 50-mile marked route, 80% off-road, with 1700m of up. The Chilterns aren not easy! centurionrunning.com Cumbria Way Ultra, Ulverston, Lake District 73-mile trail ultra with a 30-mile option over varied terrain, the longer event having more than 10,000ft ascent. pureoutdoorsevents.co.uk Cream taper Caper, Exeter, Devon Eight-hour event around Riverside Valley Park. jollyrunning.uk Dartmoor trail running Challenge, Widecombe-in-the-Moor Choose from 12km, half marathon, marathon or 51km, the latter with 1900m of total elevation, in the heart of Dartmoor. trailevents.co Forestry 100 series, Westonbirt, Gloucestershire Run 10km through the National Arboretum. Fast, single-lap route on high-quality gravel tracks and a short section of asphalt. nice-work.org.uk…

Editorial intern Claudia achieves the seemingly impossible: getting lost on Trail Running’s lunchtime loop. It’s a loop, for crying out loud... Editor Paul was told to look out for reindeer at his Finnish ultra. It didn’t take him long to find one. (Seriously, we have to put up with this every day.) Paul Halford seems to be feeling the effects of his punishing training run much more than permanently smiling rescue dog, Ruby. Patrick Kinsella follows the Limestone Link markers as the sun sets on a memorable day in the Chilterns and Mendips. Contributor James Sadlier soaks up the party atmosphere of his debut Skyrun in sunny Madeira.…

FIONA RUSSELL Being trapped for eight hours in a mountain hut proved entertaining, p58. NICK HALLISSEY His first trail 10km was a memorable experience for all the right reasons p36. PATRICK KINSELLA How an innocent run through the hills turned into a Fastest Known Time, p30. SEAN McFARLANE Extend your summer in some surprising locations full of inspiration, p52. CLAUDIA NEVETT Is there a better place to run than the beach? No, we didn’t think so either, p102. PAUL BARTON Running at night can truly be an illuminating experience, p86. /trailrunningmag @trailrunningmag /trailrunningmag tr@bauermedia.co.uk…

What? Strapping a band tightly around a limb while training to improve the effect. Why? A study in the September 2019 issue of Metabolism journal using cyclists added more weight to a 2017 study involving runners proved: that strength and lactate tolerance could be improved using this method. How? Although scientists admit more research needs to be done on safety issues, it can be done with appropriate supervision. The lead author of the paper, Carl Paton, recommends gaining medical clearance and training advice from a suitably qualified person before using the method. However, he added: “If you’re healthy with no cardiovascular problems, it seems to be safe.”…

We know that positive self-talk can enhance our performance when it comes to races, but a new study has shown that the terminology we use is important. Self-talk using second person pronouns significantly improved time-trial performance, compared to first person. Using “you” instead of “I” also led to higher power outputs in cyclists, despite riders finding it equally as difficult in the first-person group. Self-selected self-talk, combining instructional and motivational statements, was found to be the best method. Cross-country runners, under this condition, sliced 10 seconds off their one-mile time. So, when you are feeling defeated by the trails, use phrases such as “You can do it, pick up the pace” for a noticeable difference.…

Denmark’s Kristina Schou Madsen has run the fourth fastest ever woman’s Bob Graham Round, in 18:45:24. “My aim was to do a massive physical challenge and explore the beautiful Lake District,” she told TR. “It was hard to make a time schedule from home, as I’ve never been to The Lakes and it quickly turned out I’d really underestimated it! The terrain was so much tougher than I’d ever imagined. “Starting in heavy rain and wind couldn’t take my smile away. I had a lot of energy during leg three, which I think was the best part. I descended to Wasdale laughing, but reality hit me on leg four, which seemed so long; my head was playing games. To reach Moot Hall was a fantastic feeling.”…

The members of our #Run1000Miles Facebook group continue to inspire others with their incredible achievements and inspiring backgrounds. We’re reminded daily with awe-inspiring mid-run photography of how great the British trails are. So many of you, too, have taken up the challenge despite physical or mental barriers or gone on to accomplish greater things than you imagined possible as a result of #Run1000Miles. If you’re already part of the group, we hope you’re well on your way to 1000 miles by now but, if you’re falling short, you will nevertheless enjoy the journey. You can share your inspirational tales with the rest of the community, too. We’re looking for great stories for these pages in our next issue and our #Run1000Miles 2020 launch issue. If you have a favourite run…

1 SIGN UP ONLINE Visit run1000miles.co.uk to register. We’ve also designed 2019 #Run1000Mile ruffs for you to wear while you complete your challenge. They’re on sale now for £5 – so order yours today, because they’re proving extremely popular! 2 DO A PLEDGE Visit the website, download the #Run1000Miles pledge, sign it, take a picture of it and post it on social media to commit to the challenge. 3 JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP Sign up at facebook.com/ groups/run1000miles. You’ll be part of a buzzing community sharing the joys and toils of the experience, boosting you to achieve your aims. 4 FILL IN THE TRACKER Download the mileage tracker from run1000miles.co.uk to record how you’re progressing towards the big 1000. 5 GET SOCIAL Tag your social…

Tim’s nine steps to planning the perfect UTMB 1 Spend three to four days recceing the route as a training holiday, if possible. 2 Experiment with poles; they can make a huge difference on longer climbs. 3 Think about your kit carefully, opting for light clothing – but be sure to take predicted weather conditions into consideration, too. 4 Prepare for the downhills. On the UTMB, there is as much descent as ascent, and your quads will need to be ready. 5 When choosing shoes, go up at least one size to enable your feet to swell. 6 Decide whether you are going to run solo or have a pit crew – if the latter, brief them well about what you will want and when. 7 Train, train and train…

OUR EXPERTS We use in-house and independent experts with sports and exercise science backgrounds and many years of trail-kit testing under their belts so you can trust our kit reviews. PAUL LARKINS Tech-hungry editor Paul selects the best looking new kit. See what's caught his eye on the next three pages. EOIN KEITH Columbia-sponsored ultra runner Eoin shows what we can learn from how he preps his kit for the UTMB, p86 MARC ABBOTT Find out which shoes are best for your next ultra by paying heed to Marc's findings. Eight-shoe test starts on p88. CLAUDIA NEVETT Read contributor Claudia's cautionary tale of much-loved, yet tea-stained, trail running shoes on p90. A FRESH LOOK AT OLD KIT Nikwax Basefresh £3.49 If like us, you have an old synthetic running top…

Packing for training and packing for racing are somewhat different”, says ultra-running veteran Eoin Keith. “For racing I’ll aim to pack as little as I think I can get away with, and for training I will happily overpack, with plenty of ‘just in case’ items. Carrying extra weight whilst training is just adding to the training load (which in theory is a good thing). “For the UTMB I would always travel with two different sets of gear, since the weather can be so wildly variable and unpredictable. “The race organisers provide a minimum mandatory gear list, and in the last few years they have also specified additional gear for good and bad weather, which can be added to the mandatory list depending on the weather forecast. Here’s how I pack…

We’ve recently returned from a trip to Scotland to find, yet again, our minds broadened by the incredible diversity of land, water and wildlife on offer. We ran along high mountain ridges, still snow-capped in early summer, discovered beaches of both black and white sand on the north coast of Skye, and explored remote peninsulas, inaccessible except by foot or boat. We delved into dense areas of tree cover from gnarled and lichen-clad ancient oakwoods to pine-scented mountain forests. We soothed aching limbs in quiet coves with clear, calm seas and views of mountain skylines, swam hard to stay warm in icy lochs and traced trails alongside wide, tumbling rivers. Our chosen weekender for this issue, recommended to us by the friendly folk at the excellent Killin Outdoor, is just…

DISTANCE ASCENT DIFFICULTY The Chilterns cover a mix of ancient forest, chalk escarpments and rolling hills. They’re also the UK home of Run the Wild, who offer fun, guided running adventures in the area, including the 10km Brewery Trail Run, half marathon and adventures further afield in the Alps. This route takes in a number of filming locations from TV’s Killing Eve, as well as the famous Ivinghoe Beacon, featured in the latest Star Wars trailer. This challenging route takes in sweeping downs towards the lovely village of Aldbury, and tough climbs up Ivinghoe Beacon itself, the starting point of the Ridgeway National Trail. From the vantage point of Ivinghoe Beacon you can see all the way over to the White Lion of Whipsnade Zoo. Visit in spring for pungent…

DISTANCE ASCENT DIFFICULTY This is an easy, enjoyable, off-road trail route in the heart of the Lake District, running along the shores of Windermere. An out-and-back route which is mostly flat, it links Claife Viewing Station with the mock gothic splendour of Wray Castle along a well surfaced trail. The trail follows the shoreline of Windermere, starting along a very quiet section of road and then going on to well surfaced track that winds through woodland, finally emerging on to a shoreline path, tracing the edge of the lake all the way to Wray Castle. The run back, although on the same trail, opens up a whole new set of breathtaking Lakeland views out across Windermere and up into the fells. With a tea shop at each end of the…

DISTANCE ASCENT DIFFICULTY A dramatic, rocky headland looking out across the North Sea, St Abb’s Head is an important sea bird habitat and Site of Special Scientific Interest managed by the National Trust for Scotland. The rugged coastal scenery with dramatic cliffs rising from the rolling sea are home to guillemots, razorbills, puffins and kittiwakes. In summer the surrounding coastal grasslands are filled with wildflowers, including sea pinks, rock rose, wild thyme and purple milk vetch, along with a fascinating range of invertebrates. The natural beauty of the area combines with relative ease of access from the A1 to make this a great place to stop for a run on your way to, or from, Scotland. This route takes you over a variety of terrain, including winding singletrack and the…

GET THERE Trains to Stirling and then the First Scotland 59 bus to Callander. Then the C60 bus to Lochearnhead for Route 9. You’ll then need to run an additional 4km along the quiet road that follows the southern bank of Loch Earn to Ardvorlich. For Route 10, you can stay on the C60 bus to Killin where it would be best to take a taxi to the start and then arrange to be picked up from the finish. EAT HERE The Falls of Dochart in Killian is a great pub in a nice location fairly close to both routes (fallsofdochartinn.co.uk). MacGregor’s Market, also in Killin, is an organic café and farm shop (macgregors.org. uk). The Ben Lawers Hotel at the start of Route 10 serves good food and refunds…

SOYA MILK Soya milk is lower in saturated fat and is cholesterol-free. It also lowers the body’s low-density lipoproteins, which clog up arteries. But, it typically contains less calcium, at 25mg/100ml. With 0mg of vitamin D and vitamin B12, it is lacking vital nutrients that you’ll need to find from other sources. Protein: 3.3g/100ml. COW’S MILK Cow’s milk is higher in saturated fat but this can be lowered by opting for skimmed milk. It has higher cholesterol at 5mg/100ml. But it has more calcium at 125mg/100ml, which helps build bones and prevent osteoporosis. Protein: 3.4g/100ml. VERDICT Cow’s milk narrowly wins, being richer in calcium, which is important keeping bones strong. However, both are even in terms of protein, and soya milk is more suited to those with high cholesterol.…

Running’s great for health, right? Except that doing so while breathing in bad air can negate its benefits. By breathing much more heavily, runners’ lungs flood with pollutants. That’s why natural products company Tenzing has come up with phone app, The Clean Air Tool, in conjunction with King’s College London. It allows runners to create their own route, guiding them towards the cleanest air routes in London and shows users how to cut their pollution exposure by 50%. So if you can’t get out in the countryside, this could be the next best option.…

Congrats on your Lakeland 100 win. How was it? I’d love to say I had a marvellous time wandering round the fells high on caffeine and sugar. In fact, I was miserable overnight. I was feeling sick and literally falling asleep on my feet. At the halfway aid station my partner Richard sternly said, ‘keep moving’. I forced down half a cheese sandwich and suddenly woke up through the bracken jungle as we approached Mardale Head. You’ve had a pretty busy year... I was second in both the Arc of Attrition and Thames Trot 50. I won The Oner, DNFd at UTS because of chronic quad tendinitis, won Wendover Woods 100 and now L100. I guess that is quite a big year! What was the secret to the WW100 and…

Professional adventurer Anna McNuff is currently running 2620 miles across Britain, barefoot. “In a nutshell, so far it’s been an absolute rollercoaster,” she told TR. “It’s the hardest thing I’ve done. But I feel like I’ve done a few loop-de-loops and gravity-defying spiral twists and now I’m on to the ups and downs, which are far less terrifying. Some days are full of joy, some are hard as hell. Onwards it goes and the people coming out to run with me are a big help, too. “My feet are getting like panther paws, but are in surprisingly good nick. But my legs are rubbing as my calves are massive now!”…

It’s not trail running, but it is awesome. The phenomenal Sharon Gayter has broken the record for running John O’Groats to Land’s End. The 55-year-old said she felt “about 105” after covering the 822 miles in 12 days, 11 hours, 6 minutes, and 7 seconds. Stuart Walker has created a 24-hour round for the Peak District Round, combining 25 trigs in 23 hours and 55 minutes. “What a route. I’m dead chuffed to have finished it,” he said. More info at challengestu.blogspot.com Andy Persson has run the entire 630-mile South West Coast Path (which has 115,000ft of vert) in under 12 days, the third ever fastest known time. He’s fundraising for Frank Water at virginmoney giving.com/swcp…

It’s not every day you get to run for the chance of $1 million, but World Trail Running champion Jonathan Albon last December missed out on one of the biggest paydays in sport. All he had to do was run 100 miles in 24 hours... Oh, and in the process negotiate more than 300 obstacles such as monkey bars and climbing walls. That was the incredible sum put up by the organiser of the Spartan Ultra Trifecta Series to anyone who won all three races and covered 100 miles at the last of them, the Ultra World Championships in Iceland. Despite winning the first two races, he went off-pace in the Arctic conditions and pulled out. Nevertheless, it’s training for obstacle course racing (OCR) which Albon partially credits for his…

Kintyre is undoubtedly a cracking place, but it is a bit of pain to get to. The main road route has a section by Loch Lomond where for over half an hour you are travelling in the exact opposite direction from where you want to go! But there is a new ferry link from April to October which makes things much easier. Ardrossan to Campbeltown with perfectly timed crossings for the race. For more information see calmac.co.uk WHAT TO DO Visit Gigha, Isla and Jura (calmac.co.uk) Lots of whisky and gin to see, Glen Scotia in Campeltown (glenscotia. com) and Kintyre Gin at Torrisdale (kintyregin.com) Machrihanish beach; take the short ferry ride from Tarbert to Portavadie (portavadie.com) Race the Kintyre Way kintyrewayultra.org…

GET THERE You can reach Scilly by boat or plane. The Scillonian passenger ferry sails between Penzance and St Mary’s between March and October, taking approximately 2hrs 45 mins. Or fly from Land’s End, Newquay or Exeter Airports on the Skybus, with flights taking between 20 minutes and an hour. Visit islesofscilly-travel.co.uk for full details. WHEN TO VISIT The islands are beautiful year-round. The wildlife is at its peak during the late spring and summer, while the sea is warmest in the early autumn. Plus, over the winter months you’ll have the place almost to yourself. WHERE TO RUN Perfect for on-foot exploration, there’s a great network of footpaths and quiet roads around the major islands. Start by running the coast paths around the edges and work inland from there.…

ASK THE EXPERTS Email your questions to tr@ bauermedia.co.uk or send a message over social media to get your training queries answered by the pros. NATALIE WHITE Former fell running champ and GB mountain runner who now races ultras. @natsmountain ROBBIE BRITTON GB ultra runner sponsored by TomTom, Profeet and Odlo. @ultrabritton RACHEL SHELDRAKE Running coach and mountain leader with a passion for trails. mudandmiles.co.uk SARAH SAWYER Running coach and Pilates teacher who runs everything from 5km to 100-mile ultras. CHARLOTTE JALLEY Co-founder of Re-Run Clothing, set up to keep running kit out of landfill. rerunclothing.org Q I have trouble breathing at the start of a run. Any tips? Alice Madison, via email A The most likely cause of your issue is that your heart and lungs are not yet…

Banish battery life bugbears with stunning Suunto 5 Suunto 5, £299 In recent years, GPS watches have changed out of all recognition. There’s almost nothing they can’t seem to do these days, be that track your exact location, record your pace, suggest training zones you should occupy, or even record sleep patterns. Their only really bugbear is their battery life – frustratingly short in many instances. Well, allow us to introduce you to the Suunto 5, a watch with an impressive 40 hours of battery life when using GPS (14 days in simple ‘time’ mode) – along with the range of extras you come to expect from a training aid of this calibre. Indeed, the intelligent battery mode recognises your training patterns, and sends reminders to charge well before the…

Trail running kit is all about the effective use of weight, but not at the expense of performance; a tricky balance if there ever was one. And given this is still very much the holiday season for those of us chasing the last-minute summer sun, we thought it the perfect opportunity to look at some of the fabulous lightweight, performance gear you should pack – less than 8kg in this instance. That’s the carry-on allowance on Finnair in case you wondered – hand luggage with a mission in mind. Osprey 42 £160 Light, tough, loads of room, plenty of pockets and most importantly of all, it fits on most European and Worldwide airlines as carry-on baggage. The perfect bag for your next adventure. Weight 2.16 kg Adidas Xpulsor…

So, those are all the things you must carry. Obviously, everyone adds their personal touches. Here’s mine. SHOES These are very weather-dependent. Columbia Montrail Trans Alp FKTs are excellent all-round running shoes that suit the UTMB well (TR’s review of them is over the page). I like the waterproof version for extra assurance. The major advantage of waterproof shoes for me is not so much keeping water out, as keeping mud and grit out. That’s the thing that is more likely to cause race-ending foot issues. If the weather was particularly wet I’d bring shoes with built-in gators. I have raced hundreds of miles in the same pair of trusty shoes in awful conditions. You do end up finding your favourites. SHORTS I find Columbia/Montrail Titan Ultra shorts to be…

Silva have an impressive range to cater for all types of trail runner. The right choice for you really might not be too expensive, and Silva really don’t seem to be hung up on ‘up-selling’ you to the next model. They also support their products with available spare parts and don’t change things that don’t need changing. For example, if you had a lithium ion Silva battery from 2008, it would still connect to todays lamps! THE DADDY Unless you’re a mountain biker or skier the Exceed 3XT is probably overkill for most trail runners. £382 gets you 2000 lumens for up to 12 hours (in warm conditions) down to 80 lumens for 60 hours! But the 9.9 Ah battery required is pretty chunky. Seriously impressive though. It’s the money’s-no-object…

1 EXE ESTUARY, DEVON Waterside world of exploration not far from civilisation 2 IVINGHOE BEACON, BUCKS An enjoyable 10km run in the rolling heart of the Chilterns 3 SALCEY FOREST, NORTHANTS Achievable woodland trail in the glorious East Midlands 4 EDGES EPIC, PEAK DISTRICT Frogatt, Curbar and Burbage 5 WINDERMERE, CUMBRIA Lakeside delight 6 HADRIAN’S WALL, NORTHUMBERLAND No barrier to your enjoyment 7 THE HIGH CARNEDDAU, SNOWDONIA The pressure is mountain... 8 SR ABB’S HEAD, BERWICKSHIRE Coastal fun for all abilities 9 BEN VORLICH AND STÙC A’ CHROIN, HIGHLANDS 15.6km of Munro bagging 10 BEN LAWERS TRAVERSE A ridgeline to remember…

DISTANCE ASCENT DIFFICULTY Managed by Forestry England, Salcey Forest has three great running trails, from 3-10km in length, ideal for all levels of runners. The waymarked trails guide you through the forest, weaving through veteran oak trees and lush habitats that house hundreds of wildlife species. Forestry England is also celebrating its centenary in 2019 with a Forestry 100 series of races across the country. The Salcey Forestry 100 event on October 12 will be unique as it will be the first event to be delivered on a new dedicated 10k course. This route follows the course, offering a flat and fast route that’s also a satisfying forest running experience. Participants will first head into some of the area’s ancient wooded areas before venturing into the wider areas of the…

DISTANCE ASCENT DIFFICULTY Stretching 73 miles across northern England, marking the northernmost limits of the Roman province of Britannia, Hadrian’s Wall is a monumental structure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taking six years and three legions of 15,000 men to build, it follows the great dolerite Whin Sill escarpment, rising and falling with the rolling countryside, a true feat of engineering set amidst Northumberland’s breathtaking scenery. The 84-mile National Trail that traces the path of the wall runs from the Solway Estuary to the River in Tyneside. This route links two of the train stations close to the path allowing you to make a long and rewarding linear run without needing cars at both ends. To limit damage through erosion please keep to signed paths, particularly in poor weather.…

DISTANCE ASCENT DIFFICULTY A challenging run straight up the mountain path from the shore of Loch Earn at 100m to the trig pointed summit of Ben Vorlich at 985m, the best running then follows the south-west ridge down to the base of the imposing face of Stùc a’ Chroin. For those with sure feet and a head for heights, scramble up the steep face to the cairn before following the rocky ridge to the true summit at 975m, the second Munro of the day. The terrain is steep and you’ll need your hands, but in good weather if you stay on the path, none of the individual moves is hard. If the weather is poor or you’d prefer to avoid the scramble, follow the base of the crag around to…

The Volvic Volcanic Experience, taking place in in the Auvergne region of central France, provides a spectacular mountainous landscape to race through, coupled with a variety of activities which allow supporters and competitors alike to immerse themselves in the traditions of the French town of Volvic. Competitors can choose between five distances, ranging from 15km all the way up to the whopping 220km race, which takes them over the Puy de Dôme volcano, past the Volvic waterfall and even for a brief foray through Vulcania amusement park all before being greeted on the home stretch by cheering spectators, live music and the bar. The event, now in its third year, was founded by four locals of Volvic, to share their love of the landscape around the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature…