The 2011 UK Ultra Running Champs - a personal perspective from an F60 The Championship, organised by the team at runfurther, consists of 12 races grouped into three distance classes – short (26-34miles), medium (35-44miles) and long (45 miles and above). There are 4 races in each distance class or do all 12 and complete the 'grand slam.' Taking part in this series wasn't originally part of my plan for 2011, but after completing the Wuthering Hike, my husband Steve registered me for the series. And I have thoroughly enjoyed taking part .....

Wuthering Hike (Short) - 12th March - 32 miles - Time limit 12 hours: Yorkshire Pennines Helm Hill had a good number of runners entered for this race. Steve and I arrived to find the car park full, and when we left it was empty! The day was perfect for a long run; dry and cool and with no wind, and I had two pacers, Steve, and a little orange man I had met on the Trollers Trot a couple of weeks earlier. The race is characterized by long, steady moorland climbs and descents on hard tracks and paths and we made good progress to the first checkpoint at Widdop Reservoir. The little orange man wasn't far in front. At Makinholes you reach the tough, steep climb up Stoodley Pike where I decided on a full frontal assault thinking that it would be like the Helm, and I could catch the orange blob way out in front. Next time I'll take the path! This is followed by a final steep road climb into Heptonstall and then the long haul back across another moorland track to the finish at the school, where I managed to get a spurt on to come in strongly. Russell, Steve, Tim, Dave and Kath were somewhere in front, probably on the M6 .....

Shires & Spires (Medium) - 5th June - 35 miles - Time limit 9 hours: Northants This was always going to be a challenge as the required pace is fast (for me), but it's flat! Flat hard tracks, paths and roads through typical English countryside and villages made for a scenic and fast route. The last checkpoint closes at 16:00 and we clocked in at 15:59! We were bringing up the rear and the race organiser ran out to cheer us along the last climb to the finish. We had stiffened up by the time we arrived at Corley services for a drink on the way home, and Steve said we should have parked in a disabled space to shorten the walk! Wendy Dodds flashed past at the start, but I was pleased to see that she was in the F50 category (more on this later) ....

Osmotherley Phoenix (Short) - 2nd July - 33 miles - Time limit 10 hours: North Yorks Moors Not everything goes smoothly. I had picked up a back injury that had been bothering me for a month or so and was suffering on the steep and rough descents. I was doing ok along the brilliant edge path to the half way point, but Steve was nudging to go faster. The gps was telling us we were slowing down and were on 11 hour pace! After 20 miles I started to really suffer and was slow going down, or maybe going down slowly! Anyway we swerved off to complete the 25 mile route, but no points in the series. I had a sharp chat with myself, as I had to sort this injury out!

High Peak 40 (Medium) - 17th September - 40 miles - Time limit 14 hours: Peak I had put myself under pressure. To complete the series you need to complete four races, including one from each distance category. There were now only two races left in the series, and I had to finish both! The territory was unknown, the weather forecast windy and wet, the checkpoints all had closing times, and I knew I would be finishing in the dark. I was concerned about getting lost and losing time. Oh well .... I had a good race and really enjoyed the day, the weather was good, but the key to success was the time I spent preparing my route notes, so I didn't get lost.

Round Rotherham (Long) - 15th October - 50 miles - Time limit 16 hours: Yorkshire Having done this before in 2009 I was more comfortable knowing I could complete the distance and wanted to better my time. Again I prepared the route notes carefully. The day was brilliant; sunshine, no wind but I did get a little too hot and nearly knocked myself out (literally) as I ran into a post sometime in the first 10 miles! I wasn't alone as a following runner did the same thing, but she still finished near the front ....

So, I was waiting for the results, and found that Wendy Dodds had been put in the wrong category and I was up against her in the F60, well I am in very good company, and for the first time they had two finishers in this category. My only chance is to do the 'grand slam' or hope that they'll introduce a V70 and then maybe, in three years time, I'll win something!

Thank you to the runfurther team and all the Helm Hill runners for your support and encouragement, I have had a great year, and next year will be even better! Sandra

NOTE FROM RUNFURTHER - thank you Sandra - and you did come second with a very good score and we look forward to seeing you at the races next year...