Last updated: 25-Oct-18
By Luke Jarmey
We’re pleased to announce our top 10 reviews for May. So congratulations to Jeff Mitchell (@UKRunCat), who will receive a pack of 33Shake Chia Energy Gels.
Gozo Trail Run – Malta
Jeff rocked over to the Gozo Trail Run as part of his fantastic sounding “12 ultras in 12 months” challenge. Describing a race of technical descents, cliff top views, salt pans, caves and bays. He even mentions a geographical connection to Odysseus. All this combined with a naughty pasta party at the end has certainly whetted our appetites for this great sounding island, located just off Malta. We’ll be keeping a close eye on next year’s edition.
In no particular order, here’s our remaining top nine reviews for May.
North Downs Way 50 – England (UK)
There are a huge amount of highly-rated ultras on RunUltra, but with 20 reviews and every one of those awarded a five star rating, the North Downs Way 50 certainly takes the biscuit. James Elson and the rest of the Centurion Team must be doing something right!
With this huge influx of excellent NDW50 reviews this past month, we’ve actually got four of them in our top 10.
This was Shaun Marsden’s second time running the NDW50 and in his words ‘Centurion as an ultra running events company absolutely nail it every time’. Shaun’s one of our favorite reviewers and consistently pens detailed, thoroughly well-written accounts of his races. In this review he goes on to further praise the organization and gives an excellent rundown of the course.
Simon Welch sets off with the intention of going sub 11 on the NDW50. In his review he gives some valuable pacing advice, which to anyone considering the race, is well worth reading. For the record he beat his sub 11 goal and in fact got a sub 10. Well done Simon!
Kate Driskell describes the outstanding beauty of the route, excellent organization and also mentions a bacon-wielding Stormtrooper! Read on to find out more…
Another top review this month from Jeff Mitchell, who’s also one of our finest reviewers. We must say, it’s always an absolute pleasure receiving a UKRunCat review notification! Anyway, buttering up out of the way, we certainly recommend you dive into Jeff’s review. Thoroughly surpassing his expectations, Jeff also loved the route and he mentions the bacon-bearing Stormtrooper too…
Keswick Mountain Festival – England (UK)
Held in the Lake District, The Keswick Mountain Festival is a wonderful annual celebration of mountain culture and pursuits. Ash Coates reviews the popular Ultra Trail, held during the festival. He praises the stunning course and describes it as ‘one route every ultra runner should complete at least once’, but questions the rise in entry price and issues with the feed stations and goodie bags over the previous year. Hopefully the race organizers can sort these out, as otherwise it really does sound like a cracking race.
Jokershoek – South Africa
Organised by the venerable Wildrunner team, the Jokershoek is set amongst some pretty special alpine terrain in the Western Cape of South Africa. Ellen Goldsmith echoes the extreme adventure sentiments of the races tagline and praises its wild nature. If you prefer a race with a more adventurous than organized structure, the Jokershoek should be high up on your list.
Dukeries Ultra – England (UK)
Rachel Sheldrake reviews the much loved Dukeries Ultra as her first foray into the wonderful world of ultra marathons. Kicking off with an ‘informative and humorous’ race briefing, the event sounds very well organised, with great feed stations and hugely supportive marshals; both very important constituents for a good ultra. All in all, it feels like the Dukeries 30 mile firmly deserves its reputation as an excellent first time ultra.
Another long time favourite reviewer of ours, Sarah Crunning reviews the 40 mile Dukeries. She comments on the flattish course, which might not be to everyone’s taste, but praises the great organization and goodie bag, with a personalized race medal and correctly sized vest…Yes, we’ve all been there with the brand new, 3 sizes too small race T shirt, that looks like it’s been nuked in the tumble dryer!
Glen Lyon – Scotland (UK)
Located in, you guessed it, Scotland. The Glen Lyon is a 30 mile ultra that takes in some classically stunning Scottish scenery in the form of a Loch and in the words of the organisers, ‘a hill or two’. Jenni Rees-Jenkins celebrated her birthday during this event and by the sounds of it she had a great time. She also came in 1st lady… which isn’t a bad birthday present to yourself. Well done Jenni!
What’s your experience? Have you run any of these races or others on our site? Do share your stories.
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