SPORT WALK

Challenge report

By Glyn Howells

The Gower Peninsula Ultra was definitely one with two very distinct halves. The first 50k was mainly walking along the rugged Welsh Coastal path with stunning views that rivalled those along the Jurassic coast and the second half had us walking along many kilometres of paved paths.

This was the first time that Ultra Challenge had run this event and, as usual, participants were well looked after, from base camp to the finish line. As a new event, the route and terrain was new territory to all, so I was hoping for a 100k PB. My previous 100ks took me over 29 hours, so definitely room for improvement.

With the weather looking a bit unpredictable in the run up to the event I decided to use a bigger backpack to cover all eventualities and keep all my kit dry. On the actual ultra, the weather was overcast to begin with, but the cloud would clear, the rain would hit us later in the evening.

I camped at the Penrice castle basecamp ready for a 7.00am start. The 100k route consisted two 50k loops, the west loop first, followed by the east loop. As always there are numerous routes that participants can enter, from a quick 10k, a quarter 25k challenge, to marathon distance, 50k, 75k or the ultimate 100k Ultra.

Around 300 walkers/runners started on the 7,00am wave and straight away we were heading up what would be the largest hill to the ridge above us. We would ascend/descend this hill twice during the course of the 100k. We travelled along the ridge before heading right and descending down towards the Welsh Coastal Path. The path was fairly flat from then on, so I managed to keep up a good pace. I set myself a target time of 26 hours and the Live Trail app set timing targets to reach each rest stop by, so I had times to aim for.

We headed inland for the first rest stop, just enough time for a quick coffee and a danish pastry and it was back on the path again. My plan for fuelling was to try and eat at each stop, which is something I have struggled to do in the past, and have a 750ml bottle of Tailwind to fuel on the move, unfortunately I managed to lose the bottle sometime shortly after the first rest stop. I was really annoyed at this but I still had a hydration bladder so I wouldn’t run out of water between stops.

There were quite a few “Hazard” signs along the path, and bits of rock sticking out of the grass seemed to be a constant feature. Before the second stop I was caught up by Niall – the experienced ultra walker that I met at the Jurassic Coast Challenge. It was good to walk with Niall, who’s always willing to offer encouragement and bits of advice. We walked until the next stop where Niall grabbed some food and proceeded on his way.

I had a bit of lunch and a change of socks then started on to the next section which headed toward the stunning Rhossili Bay, complete with Welsh mountain ponies which grazed unfazed by the tourists, walkers and runners passing by. We walked a path parallel to Rhossili beach before heading inland and skirting an area of marsh land.

The third rest stop came and a chance for more food and coffee, a short rest and then on my way. Eventually we started to head back up to the ridge that would lead us to the descent back to base camp. I reached the half way stop in just under 12 hours and was still under the target time to finish within 26 hours, so things were going well, so now it was time for a decent meal, recharge the batteries and a change of clothes. I always try and make the most of the main rest stops and get back out on the path when I feel ready, but I must admit I get out a bit later than I would have liked, mainly due to trying to get a fresh pair of Injinji socks on!!

Once back up the hill and on the ridge, it was not long before I felt the first spots of rain, which became heavier so time to get my waterproof jacket on. With the weather closing in, I upped the pace as best I could, only stopping to put my head torch on as it got darker.

This is when my problems started. My main head torch decided to only shine red or green, so the back up would have to be used and I would have to try and conserve the battery as there would still be more hours of darkness to go.

I was later in a section that we hit with really tough terrain – a path full of wet muddy rocks through a wooded section. This seemed to go on for ages and was physically and mentally draining. By the time I eventually reached the next rest stop I was really starting to regret some of my life choices!

Now I really needed to give myself a good talking to as my confidence had taken a bit of a hit. I decided to go out with a TrekMaster led group the next time there was one leaving. TM Gary was the next one out, escorting another walker who decided to wear road trainers on the second half due to all the tarmac it covered.

By the time we left, the rain had stopped and it was not long until we were walking along roads and paths. Eventually we reached the cliff path that lead all the way to the mumbles. Now was the time I started to pick up my pace again, but the endless flat path to the midpoint stop made it tough going and by the time we reached the 77k stop my legs and feet were suffering and I had to get a blister treated by the medics. At this stage on the Jurassic Coast Challenge I usually leave the rest stop quietly confident that I’m going to make the finish. Now, with another section of unrelenting tarmac, it was going to feel tough but I would get it done.

I eventually reached the last rest stop. Now I had the chance to get some more food down and prepare myself for the final push, just another 11k to go. Straight away we were heading up an endless steep winding road. More tarmac followed until we eventually turned onto an off road path. I think it was then that we first started to encounter the styles from hell and rocky, muddy singletrack.

Eventually the path widened and started to climb, heading to the top of the ridge where, thankfully, we were informed by a marshal it was less than a km to go and now it was all down hill!!

I was very relieved to cross the finish line with a time of 29 hours 44 minutes. So much for a target of 26 hours!! That was the toughest Ultra I have done, but it was definitely worth it for the views, the people I chatted to during the event and it just a great experience.

Would I do it again? The first 50k definitely – probably my favourite first half I have done. I’m making plans for next year already. Oh, and my bottle was back waiting for me at basecamp!