Agree 10/10 for The Serpent Trail 50k, did it last year for my first ultra, it’s fabulous. Perfect beginner’s ultra. Going again this year, can’t wait!
Goring Gap is a great beginners Ultra. Circular root along the Thames river, pretty flat and lovely views to be had. 52km and also half marathon and 10km options too so handy if there’s a group of you - something for everyone.
@@sambarlow5449 I didn’t realise it was 52km until I got to the 50k marker. I was “where’s the finish line?” That last 2km was the toughest 2k ever. Doh!
Great video, I ran both Classic Quarter and Serpent Trail having watched your videos, and enjoyed them both very much. It was also nice to run with you at the SDW at various points for many miles!
Hi, Loyd! Sorry I missed you at the start of SDW 100 - it was a great day, wasn't it?! Thanks for this informative post; great for those entering the ultra zone, and a good reminder to those of us who have been doing the sport for awhile that there are many superb options. See you on the start line soon...
Love your videos Loyd! I'm actually doing the Black RAT in a couple of weeks as my first ultra, very nervous!. I did the last 9 miles last weekend as a recce, some serious hills and steps there!. I live here in Helston so use the coast paths around here as training, did the first leg of the classic quarter (not the race just the route) so hoping that has been some good training for the RAT but I was pretty tired by the end, so yes, nervous but excited for the RAT.
Glad you’re enjoying the videos Michael! The BLACK RAT does have a pretty tough finish but you’ve just got to keep putting one foot in front of the other and you’ll get to that finish line! Best of luck with the race and thanks for watching 👍
You guys should really look into the Portland coastal races by bustinskins in February and the Portland pig back yard ultra in may stunning views and trails to run
Great video as always! I’ll be doing the Serpent Trail 20k this year. I ran the Ultra Violet Run to the Sea 50k in Bournemouth last year as my first (and currently only) ultra. Really well organised, great aid stations, lovely flat route which finishes at Hengistbury Head - would definitely recommend it as a first ultra.
Thanks for this, I will take one on next year possibly. Endure 24 is perfect as I live 15 mins down the road from it….get my son involved to so be a good one to do together
A great event to test yourself is Hope24 run by GBUltra in Newnham Plymouth. 5 mile trail laps. Try and do as many laps you can within 12, 24 or 36 hours. Go at your own pace. Free camping, food stalls and bar. Pricing is spot on. Run as a team or solo.
Thanks for the video! Highly recommend the PEGASUS events if anyone is in South Wales and looking for something local :) No cut off times, stunning routes and super friendly.
@@banbones7116 amazing! That was my first a couple of years ago, excited for you :) incase it's useful... the canum taught me to take little walk breaks early, it all feels very runnable and so easy to get carried away early on 😅
Some great ideas for future events there. I’m taking on Race to the Stones this year doing the 100km over two days. But it can be run as just 50km by doing either Saturday or Sunday which would make it great for first timers.
Great video Loyd, I'd second your recommendation of Endure 24 for a first time, I've done Leeds 4 times and it's perfect as you can choose to do as many laps as you want and still be considered a finisher.
Inspired by the channel, I’m doing my first ultra, at the age of 59, in August: 33.5 mile North to South Dartmoor ‘The Crossing’, part of The Big Day Out. Last week I did East to West Dartmoor and into North Plymouth (33.5) solo, so should be ok for this first official one. Hopefully it’s not too hot. 1500 metres elevation. My kids just got me a Run4Adventure T-shirt for father’s day btw, looking smart!
Agreed Serpent 50K is a great first Ultra - its was mine. Back this year for the 100K. Also I would recommend The Lap 75K. Good cut offs, excellent organisation and aid stations.
What about the Butcombe Trail Ultra? 50 and 56 miles around the Mendip Hills organised by Town and Country Harriers ultra runners. Only problem is that every aid station is at a Butcombe pub...
Ran the Classic Q, Serpent 50 and Black RAT 🙌 All great events, Serpent 50 definitely most suitable for anyone talking a first time ultra. 😊 I definitely fancy a centurion event one day 🤞
As someone looking for my first 50km event to enter as a “runner” (done a couple as a walker) this is a really great video thank you. Have you done Run to the Sea Brighton? Would you recommend that as a first 50km ultra??
I’m really glad you enjoyed the video Jennifer, thanks for watching! 🙏 I haven’t taken part in Run to the sea Brighton but I know people who have and they said it was a great event. The route looks pretty good, nothing to technical so I’m sure it would be a good first 50k 👍
Great video thank you. I have my first in 2025. Think I will definitely want a couple in me before I'm brave enough to enter one during "proper" (theoretically) summer time- I find higher temps more challenging than more elevation or a bit more distance 🥵. Cotswold is near me and I was tempted for my first, but August sounded too scary for this sweaty broad.
Salomon wanted to have shorter distances with more elevation when it comes to their Golden series races. No the Freedom Racing KVK is their Golden trail series race, it’s 15 miles with 1000m elevation 👍
Hurtwood 50k was my first ever Ultra and man it was tough going. I'd avoid Lulworth after doing it in Feb 24 as that was unbelievably terrible 😂 I did the SDW50 this year and as my first 50 miler there was no better feeling running around that track at the end 👌🏻 I've got the Serpent 50k in July, then Run to the sea 50k Bournemouth in October finishing the year with Salisbury Plain trail marathon in December. 2025 my big event is the SDW100 and I'm considering the Isle of Wight Ultra as well. Will give your suggestions a look as well so cheers Loyd 🍻
I thought Hurtwood 50k was pretty runnable Paul 🤔 You’re right about Lulworth though it’s a tough route made tougher this year by the underfoot conditions! 😮
@Run4Adventure Yeah Hurtwood was definitely runnable but I thought the route was tough in places, very hilly and boggy at times. I had my wife with me as well, it was also her first Ultra so I made sure I stayed with her to get her over that finish line as we had to use Hurtwood as a qualification event to be able to book onto the SDW50 so that also added a little bit of pressure. Very well organised event though. Hopefully I'll try and say hello either on the start line of the Serpent 50k in July or as you come flying past me 😂
I've been training for my first ultramarathon (Race to the Stones day 2) in exactly 4 weeks 😅. Any suggestions? 🙂 I've seen a couple of videos where people have taken a wrong turn so I plan on having the route downloaded on my watch.
Agree 10/10 for The Serpent Trail 50k, did it last year for my first ultra, it’s fabulous. Perfect beginner’s ultra. Going again this year, can’t wait!
Goring Gap is a great beginners Ultra. Circular root along the Thames river, pretty flat and lovely views to be had. 52km and also half marathon and 10km options too so handy if there’s a group of you - something for everyone.
goring gap 52k was my first ultra! good for beginners
@@sambarlow5449 I didn’t realise it was 52km until I got to the 50k marker. I was “where’s the finish line?” That last 2km was the toughest 2k ever. Doh!
@@rbcoolbartley yes i actually heard quite a lot of people have done that 😃 they have a new 50 mile started this year might give it go next year
Great vid! Can you contrast this video with another video on the top 7 hardest UK ultras? (I fancy some inspiration for next year!)
Recommend The lap 75km as a great first ultra. Amazingly organised
This is amazing ! Thank you so much for this comprehensive video. I hope to do my first ultra in 2025.
Great video Loyd! I ran the classic for my first ever ultra this year and it was absolutely brutal.
Came across this video by chance. I'm running Tiree also this weekend. Best of luck ! See you there
Great video, I ran both Classic Quarter and Serpent Trail having watched your videos, and enjoyed them both very much. It was also nice to run with you at the SDW at various points for many miles!
That was a great video. Black Rat 2025 is the one I'm working towards.
Before running your first Ultra, what did you training look like?
Hi, Loyd! Sorry I missed you at the start of SDW 100 - it was a great day, wasn't it?! Thanks for this informative post; great for those entering the ultra zone, and a good reminder to those of us who have been doing the sport for awhile that there are many superb options. See you on the start line soon...
Great video Lloyd. La Sportivas on the Centurion?
Thanks Lee, glad you enjoyed it! I used the PRODIGIO on the SDW100 and it performed well 👍🙂
Love your videos Loyd! I'm actually doing the Black RAT in a couple of weeks as my first ultra, very nervous!. I did the last 9 miles last weekend as a recce, some serious hills and steps there!. I live here in Helston so use the coast paths around here as training, did the first leg of the classic quarter (not the race just the route) so hoping that has been some good training for the RAT but I was pretty tired by the end, so yes, nervous but excited for the RAT.
Glad you’re enjoying the videos Michael! The BLACK RAT does have a pretty tough finish but you’ve just got to keep putting one foot in front of the other and you’ll get to that finish line! Best of luck with the race and thanks for watching 👍
@@Run4Adventure thanks!
You guys should really look into the Portland coastal races by bustinskins in February and the Portland pig back yard ultra in may stunning views and trails to run
I’ve not heard of them before Chris, I’ll take a look 👍🙂
@Run4Adventure you really should the views from Portland looking along the coast of Dorset are stunning
Wish you all the health you need to keep on running and some more!
Thanks very much! 🙏🙂
Great video as always! I’ll be doing the Serpent Trail 20k this year. I ran the Ultra Violet Run to the Sea 50k in Bournemouth last year as my first (and currently only) ultra. Really well organised, great aid stations, lovely flat route which finishes at Hengistbury Head - would definitely recommend it as a first ultra.
Thanks for this, I will take one on next year possibly. Endure 24 is perfect as I live 15 mins down the road from it….get my son involved to so be a good one to do together
A great event to test yourself is Hope24 run by GBUltra in Newnham Plymouth. 5 mile trail laps. Try and do as many laps you can within 12, 24 or 36 hours. Go at your own pace. Free camping, food stalls and bar. Pricing is spot on. Run as a team or solo.
I just attempted the GB Ultra 100 Scotland and the GB Team were awesome!
Thanks for the video! Highly recommend the PEGASUS events if anyone is in South Wales and looking for something local :) No cut off times, stunning routes and super friendly.
I just signed up for next year's CANUM as my first ultra!
@@banbones7116 amazing! That was my first a couple of years ago, excited for you :) incase it's useful... the canum taught me to take little walk breaks early, it all feels very runnable and so easy to get carried away early on 😅
Completely agree with the Serpent Trail; it was my first 100km and was an excellent event. Thoroughly recommend it.
Some great ideas for future events there. I’m taking on Race to the Stones this year doing the 100km over two days. But it can be run as just 50km by doing either Saturday or Sunday which would make it great for first timers.
Great video Loyd, I'd second your recommendation of Endure 24 for a first time, I've done Leeds 4 times and it's perfect as you can choose to do as many laps as you want and still be considered a finisher.
Fantastic information, Loyd. Like to Run4Adventure. Happy monday.
Cheers Manuel, glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for watching 🙏🙂
Inspired by the channel, I’m doing my first ultra, at the age of 59, in August: 33.5 mile North to South Dartmoor ‘The Crossing’, part of The Big Day Out. Last week I did East to West Dartmoor and into North Plymouth (33.5) solo, so should be ok for this first official one. Hopefully it’s not too hot. 1500 metres elevation. My kids just got me a Run4Adventure T-shirt for father’s day btw, looking smart!
Have my first half marathon September (Truro) then maybe Cornwall Marathon November then ultra next year hopefully 💪
Nice one Luke! That’s a tough first Half and Marathon choice but they’re both great races. I’ve run the Cornish marathon 5 times, awesome race 🏃♂️😁
@@Run4Adventure I've heard it can be a tricky one with the hills, I'm glutton for punishment ! Wow 5 times is insane haha
I am on the Cotswold race in August! Hope I can meet and grab a photo sir! :)
Im not running the Cotswold race unfortunately, we’ll be away in Chamonix when it’s on. Hope you have a great race and thanks for watching 🙏🙂
@@Run4Adventure oh no, but id rather be in chamonix to tbf lol
@@jamesholt3081 😂😂😂
I will be doing the serpent trail 50 km this year.
Hopefully see you there 👍🙂
Agreed Serpent 50K is a great first Ultra - its was mine. Back this year for the 100K. Also I would recommend The Lap 75K. Good cut offs, excellent organisation and aid stations.
Had a crack at Stour Valley ultra- for my first. Had a DNF. Looking for a new ultra challenge (as work getting in the way of SVP)
As if I needed this seed to be planted in my head 😂 great video Lloyd
Thanks for this, great vid!
Great vlog, super informative, thank you 👍
Really glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching 🙏🙂
What about the Butcombe Trail Ultra? 50 and 56 miles around the Mendip Hills organised by Town and Country Harriers ultra runners. Only problem is that every aid station is at a Butcombe pub...
Ran the Classic Q, Serpent 50 and Black RAT 🙌 All great events, Serpent 50 definitely most suitable for anyone talking a first time ultra. 😊 I definitely fancy a centurion event one day 🤞
As someone looking for my first 50km event to enter as a “runner” (done a couple as a walker) this is a really great video thank you. Have you done Run to the Sea Brighton? Would you recommend that as a first 50km ultra??
I’m really glad you enjoyed the video Jennifer, thanks for watching! 🙏
I haven’t taken part in Run to the sea Brighton but I know people who have and they said it was a great event. The route looks pretty good, nothing to technical so I’m sure it would be a good first 50k 👍
Thank you for the video!
Great video thank you. I have my first in 2025. Think I will definitely want a couple in me before I'm brave enough to enter one during "proper" (theoretically) summer time- I find higher temps more challenging than more elevation or a bit more distance 🥵. Cotswold is near me and I was tempted for my first, but August sounded too scary for this sweaty broad.
Love the serpent trail! Any idea why it's not part the golden trail series this year?
Salomon wanted to have shorter distances with more elevation when it comes to their Golden series races. No the Freedom Racing KVK is their Golden trail series race, it’s 15 miles with 1000m elevation 👍
@@Run4Adventure Ah ok thanks! I didn't know that. Well at least maybe I'll finish a few places higher this year 😂
@@samuellarcombe4209 See you there 👍
SVP 100k/50k ( Stour Valley Path ) would get my vote.
Hurtwood 50k was my first ever Ultra and man it was tough going. I'd avoid Lulworth after doing it in Feb 24 as that was unbelievably terrible 😂 I did the SDW50 this year and as my first 50 miler there was no better feeling running around that track at the end 👌🏻 I've got the Serpent 50k in July, then Run to the sea 50k Bournemouth in October finishing the year with Salisbury Plain trail marathon in December. 2025 my big event is the SDW100 and I'm considering the Isle of Wight Ultra as well. Will give your suggestions a look as well so cheers Loyd 🍻
I thought Hurtwood 50k was pretty runnable Paul 🤔 You’re right about Lulworth though it’s a tough route made tougher this year by the underfoot conditions! 😮
@Run4Adventure Yeah Hurtwood was definitely runnable but I thought the route was tough in places, very hilly and boggy at times. I had my wife with me as well, it was also her first Ultra so I made sure I stayed with her to get her over that finish line as we had to use Hurtwood as a qualification event to be able to book onto the SDW50 so that also added a little bit of pressure. Very well organised event though. Hopefully I'll try and say hello either on the start line of the Serpent 50k in July or as you come flying past me 😂
Funnily enough I was thinking RAT when I saw the video theme, although I’ve only run the plague
It’s a great race Andy! I’m the same, I’ve only run the Plague 👍🙂
Can't wait for the Serpent trail 100km this year 😅
Hopefully see you there, not long now 🙂
Hope so 🙏
I've been training for my first ultramarathon (Race to the Stones day 2) in exactly 4 weeks 😅. Any suggestions? 🙂
I've seen a couple of videos where people have taken a wrong turn so I plan on having the route downloaded on my watch.
I would definitely have the route on your watch just in case Jonathan 👍 Eat well, drink well, keep moving forward and you’ll have a good day 🙂
dava way 50k