race to the king ultramarathon

Runners descend on the South Downs Way

Last weekend, I took a step (quite a few, actually) into the unknown and set off on my first ultramarathon. The inaugural, 53.5-mile Race to the King, to be precise. There was severe cramp, dehydration and enough sugar to keep me wired for weeks, but, all in all, I had a blast.

Here are five lessons learned:

  1. Curtail competitiveness

Ultrarunning is unlike any other format, because 90% of runners couldn’t care less about their finishing time. So stop for photos, take in the views, spend a little longer than necessary at aid stations. Enjoy yourself; you’ve got a bloody long day ahead.

  1. Hike hills

Unless you’re planning on finishing in the top five per cent, walking is not to be sneered at. A powerful hike can be just as quick as a run up steep climbs, and after 40+ miles of running you’ll long for the brief walking break that hills afford.

  1. Savour salt

I’m certain I would have DNF’d if it wasn’t for the liberal dose of salt taken on board at every aid station, such was the pain in my cramping quads. Around one teaspoon, dissolved in squash every five miles or so, did the job for me.

  1. Eat everything

The average runner burns 400-600 calories per hour. Run for 11 hours, like me, and you’re looking at a whopping 6,600 calories. By mile 20, I had reverted to my 13-year-old self: scoffing crisps, bars, fizzy drinks, cookies and sweets like tooth decay was going out of fashion.

  1. Wash well

Eau de mud, sweat and soggy clothing is an acquired scent. As I slumped at the back of the train carriage on the way home, I overheard the conversation of two well-to-do ladies: “What is that awful smell?” Said one. “I’m not sure,” replied the other, “but it wasn’t around until he got on.” I slumped a little further into my seat, acknowledging the fact that a light application of dry body wash and deodorant is no match for a day’s worth of stench.

Pick up the next issue of Men’s Running – out 28 July – to read the full race report of Race to the King. In the meantime, check out the video Isaac made along the way.