Bewl Water 50k trail race

Race report by Andy Stevens:

In advance of a longer race I have entered in July, I have been looking for some more local races to do which will build some leg strength and have me on my feet for long periods of time. 

I  ran the Bewl Water Marathon quite a few years ago and remember it as a really hilly trail race but one which was really well organised with plenty of runners for company. This time the organisers put on a 10k, half marathon, marathon and 50k ultra marathon – all on the same day with different start times. The ultra started at 8.30am so a very early alarm clock was needed to get there for registration.

The route took you twice around the Bewl Reservoir; mostly on trail but with some quiet country lanes thrown in for good measure. People often say the mantra for ultra marathons is to start slow and get slower. In my mind it was a tough, hilly marathon with a bonus 10k added at the end. It was already warm at the start and I was glad I had decided to carry fluids with me as well as using the aid stations.

There seemed to be very few flat parts of the course. It seemed to either be heading up or heading down. The hills were significant and deserved respect. The downhills were steep, technical sections with rutted, baked trail and rocks to navigate. I remembered from the last time I was here that you don’t make up time lost on the uphills on the downhill sections due to the amount of care needed. The weather was great for spectators but not so good for runners. Mid 20s throughout which needed a decent hydration strategy.

On the second lap, a momentary loss of concentration led to me stacking it – thankfully on a drier, hard dirt section rather than on gravel or stones. A little further on, an ambulance tending to someone not looking too good at about the 24 mile mark reminded everyone of the need to run to the conditions as everyone was definitely feeling the heat at that point. 

Crossing the marathon finishing line and then heading out up a big hill (for the 3rd time) to start the extra 10k bit was a little disheartening but the spectators who were congregated there gave all the ultra runners a huge amount of encouragement and support. The last 10k seemed to drag and drag but the support all the runners were giving each other on this “out and back” loop was brilliant to see. Down the big hill for the last 800m or so and crossed the finish line feeling a bit battered and bruised, very hot and bothered but with a definite sense of achievement. 

Although I have already done quite a few runs of 30 miles + in the training this one did feel tough – the hills and heat made sure of that. There will be bigger tests to come I’m sure but I was glad to get this one finished and under my belt.

Thanks for the great race report Andy and good luck in July !!!