Hurtwood 50k

I absolutely love running in the Surrey Hills and despite the rain and mud, this race didn’t disappoint. It is an out and back course with a 5 mile loop at the top of the course, taking in Bury Hill, Leith Hill, Holmbury St Mary Hill and Pitch Hill.

The rolling start took the pressure off and avoided congestion on the single track sections.

Running with one of my favourite people always makes for an enjoyable day.

The mud was epic in places and especially draining on the legs in the uphill sections.

The rain was refreshing but it did mean the moody mist blocked the lovely views.

The race had a generous 10 hour cut off, making it a good race for someone looking to do a trail ultra or to challenge yourself to a faster trail ultra.

Good trail shoes are a must.

The aid stations are well provisioned so you can pack your nutrition based on this knowledge.

The support at this event is fantastic. Plenty of water stops and feed stations.

They used Mountain Fuel jellys at the feed stations which I happen to use anyway, but if you're not familiar with them its worth giving them a try before hand. Less gels to carry then.