Ever wondered what it’s like to take part in one of our ultramarathons? We asked to hear from you about your experience at our Trail Series this year, to give you first-hand Tales from the Trails.
Mark took part in Race to the King this year, completing the 50k Coastal route. Wanting to get into trail running, Mark decided to enter Race to the King as an introduction to the trail running scene and to set himself a challenge. Finding the motivation to train and prepare for Race to the King was not the easiest for Mark, but he told us how he felt “lifted” after joining one of our webinars.
As for the event itself, Mark was “extremely pleased on how it went… The pit stops were brilliant, and I was so glad that they came around so often and were well stocked. All the additional provisions I took all fitted into my Harrier race vest with lots of room to spare.” When Mark hit the 47km mark, cramp set in, but he knew he would get to the finish. The only regret Mark has from the day is not taking the time to look at the gorgeous scenery behind him as he came to the finish line; but with a finish time of 7:38:16, celebrations were in order! Mark told us that being able to see the finish line 1km away encouraged him to keep going: “it’s at this point that you begin to smile and say that I’m going to finish this.”
“…trail running is not an age-related thing, but people who have similar minds who just want to go out and run, irrespective of backgrounds.”
This was Mark’s first time at Race to the King, and he shared how at the age of 59 he was “made to feel at home amongst those younger than yourself. You soon realise that trail running is not an age-related thing, but people who have similar minds who just want to go out and run, irrespective of backgrounds. It was so pleasing to see such a diverse range of runners from all backgrounds and ethnicities.”
We hope to see Mark at future Threshold events! If you feel inspired to take on an ultramarathon next year, don’t delay and sign up today.
Did you take part in a Threshold Trail Series event this year? Tell us about your experience for a chance to be featured on our blog.
