Andrew James – 2011 mens UK ultra-running championship winner….
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I have really enjoyed running in the Run Further Championships. Rather than having to spend hours reading through different websites for the perfect runs, I was quickly able to pick a few races that fitted in with other commitments and my running goals for the season; with the assurance that each race would be well organised by friendly and competent enthusiasts for the sport.
In terms of running, I probably had one of my best runs ever at the Highland Fling. Those few occasions when the hours of training are paid back with a wonderful race performance appear like diamonds, shining out from the grit of a lifetime - jewels for the banks of memory. But without the goals of the races to compete in, the efforts and friendliness of the organisers and the competition of the runners, such prizes would never be realised – thanks everyone! So there have been great moments in 2011 and I hope that the Championships will flourish and become recognised as the pre-eminent ultra-running series in the UK. |
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Karen Nash
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Thanks for another great series and for giving up countless days to come and spectate, cheer on , erect flags etc.
It has given me things to aim for and allowed me to make some really good friends- those you chat to when the chips are down and things are not necessarilly going great are always remembered, must be the shared pain!
It has made me now divide my time between orienteering, MMs, (and perhaps mini MMs after the RAB) fell races, DoE, family, holidays Oh and work!
Looking forward to seeing what next years series may hold.... |
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Nick Ham
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Just a quick note to thank you, Mark, Simon and the sponsors for yet another year of wonderful ultra running opportunities. Runfurther offered the first such series in the UK, didn’t it? It’s still the best and provides some real challenges that get tougher year on year. This year’s challenge was Lakeland 100 followed by Long Tour of Bradwell. In 2009 (my first Grand Slam year) the challenge was The Fellsman followed by Marlborough Downs Challenge, but that was nothing in comparison. Strangely enough, in spite of my little UTMB hiccup, my Grand Slam this year has run more smoothly and assuredly than it did in 2009 thanks to good health throughout. It was particularly satisfying to finish on such a high with my best personal performance and highest points at Round Rotherham. It was the icing on the (Runfurther) cake ;-)
The events are only half of the reason for me coming back year after year. The other half is the people. We are like one big happy family, some of us having been around for a few years and some new faces arriving each year. Each event is like a big reunion, with never enough time to chat to everyone I’d like to chat to. The camaraderie among ultra runners cannot be bettered anywhere else. The sense of excitement and anticipation before a race and the endorphins that follow personal achievements afterwards guarantee positivity, happiness and animated conversations.
I’ve taken part in the Series since its inception and I have seen it grow and the competition get stronger each year. It has opened my horizons to new personal challenges, new events and new places I would never have visited otherwise. This year provided my first runs in Northamptonshire and the Brecon Beacons. I also have Runfurther to thank for my first run in Scotland in 2009 for the Highland Fling (then again in 2011). Please keep on doing what you’re doing. You know I will still be here to help out if needed. |
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Dan Shrimpton
Loved the race series, it really made the season fun, will be back next year....after a bit of a rest!
Chris Peach
Received my cap yesterday. Fantastic, thanks very much. I'd like to say thank you to you and your colleagues for putting together such a great challenge. It's really helped me do some wonderful races and gives an extra incentive to do more. I'm looking forward to next year already.
Sandra Scott
I have thoroughly enjoyed taking part .....
