Kong Ultra (Long Course)

Scenic. Rewarding. Low-key

The route was brilliant with lots of fantastic climbs and descents, and it was a really well organised race by the Kong team.

Running out of food before the aid station (totally my fault), but I made up for it with lots of flapjacks and brownies at the Thirlmere checkpoint.

Anyone who loves the Lake District and mountains and is comfortable with lots of elevation and navigation (it's not marked and you may find yourself running solo in sections).

It's also good preparation for a Bob Graham Round - a few of us were doing it to see how we fared. In theory if you can do this race in about 18 hours, you should be able to do a BGR in 24 hours.

Keep a note of places to refill water bottles outside of checkpoints, and make the most of eating whilst on the long uphills.

I particularly enjoyed my picnic of sandwiches and cakes going up Helvellyn.

There's always a short course (38 miles) if you're not fully convinced by the 52 mile option.