Running the St Cuthbert Way Ultra

Post date: Oct 3, 2016 12:30:22 PM

By Ralphy Hill

As I was approaching my 50th birthday, I decided to to a 50 mile ultra to celebrate my milestone.

I headed off to Melrose on the Friday 15th July 2016 and on the evening my kit bag was checked and I was given my number, 15. On Saturday morning I was taken by coach to Wooler, England, with 25 other runners from all over the UK. On the way there we were shown the route which was nothing but the Cheviot Hills for miles to see.

At Wooler, We met up with more runners and the race began.

We headed up through forest and hills, the views were stunning, I felt great and was looking forward to an awesome day. Although the length of the way, the route passed through a variety of landscapes, rolling farmland, verdant river valleys, sheltering woods, bleak and exposed hilltops and moorland. Crossing the border into Scotland gave me a great boost as I knew I was coming home. Entering the Edion Hills into Melrose was the best feeling ever as I was near reaching completion. The decent took us into Melrose town centre onto the Abbey and onto the finish at Darnick Villiage Hall where I was met by Jane and Ralphy junior shouting support at me when I finished.

Finished 8th overall and 3rd in category in the time of 11 hours, I received a lovely t-shirt and medal and made great friends and became a trail outlaw ultra runner completing 50 miles at a good old age of 50.