Ring o Fire 2018

 A few weeks ago we completed the Ring O Fire Race in Anglesey for the 4th time .
I did  a reasonable amount of training chiefly comprising of 35 mile runs once every week to 10 days. I had also spent a week in Essex during  some very hot weather during which I ran about a hundred miles. However my fitness was still very lacking.
We stayed near Beaumaris which is a picture postcard like coastal town with lots of interesting shops and  cafes. We arrived a day before the race which gave us the chance to buy last minute supplies and recover from the long drive south.
The race starts at the Breakwater Park at Holyhead which is on a separate smaller island off Angelsey. It was great to meet up with old friends including John Kynaston who we know from the West Highland Way Race and also the Hardmoors110.
The race started at 1pm. I had expected cold and wet weather but it turned out to be hot and sunny. In fact many of the runners suffered from the heat.The initial part of the race is not that inspiring - through the streets of Holyhead and parkland  beyond. However this soon gives way to the beautiful coastline. It is quite flat until the second  checkpoint at Church Bay when the cliffs and bays start. From then on the scenery was gorgeous . Time after time we would turn a corner to find another idyllic deserted sandy bay wreathed with cliffs and set off against a turquoise sea and cloudless blue sky. We saw quite a few choughs- rare birds looking  like crows but with an orange beak and a distinctive call.
Before Wylfa power station checkpoint there is a shingle spit that one has to run along , I always find this hard .The shingle is particularly strength sapping . Consequently I was very glad to to get to the checkpoint. Despite eating and drinking I struggled to get going afterwards and the group of runner I was with got ahead. Gradually though I recovered and reeled some of them in.Some of the biggest hills occur between Cemaes and Bull Bay, but again the scenery is fantastic.
I was pleased to finally arrive in Almwch in daylight after a really enjoyable days' running.

Day 2 was cooler and overcast.I started off quite well and enjoyed a good second breakfast and mug of tea at Ligny Bay. The owner of the cafe there had very kindly provided free food for all the runners. Soon the tiredness started to kick in and my pace slowed.Unusually I ran on my own for most of the day. I didn't see a single runner from Beaumaris until Newborough forest. My parents met me at Beaumaris and I had phoned ahead to ask them to buy me a cup of tea and a J20. Although still overcast it was quite warm and the ice cold J20 was very welcome.
It is a long way ( 66 miles) on day 2 but gradually the miles passed despite my snail like pace. On Newborough Beach I could see no one until I was almost at the honesty book flag. Then I spotted a rapidly approaching runner. I was only a few hundred yards beyond the honesty book when the runner overtook me.What a rate he was going! I later learnt that he had had a bad patch at Penmon Point but had recovered after a rest and a pie and chips in Beaumaris.
It was dark when I left the last checkpoint for the last 10km to Aberfraw boosted my some lovely spicy lentil soup. I managed the route OK despite the intense blackness of the moonless night. At Aberfraw the marshals were very attentive as usual and I was able to enjoy multiple mugs of tea and two bowls of pasta.

On Day 3 I was very stiff and my left hip was sore- I could barely run at the start. Fortunately my hip eased off and I was able to get going - otherwise it would have been a very long walk. Helen my wife always does well on Day 3 so I was pleased when I managed to catch up with her. We ran together through Rhosneigr  where a we all got  a second breakfast courtesy of Sandy's Bistro. Helen got ahead of me just before Four mile Bridge  as I started to flag. The weather had been forecast to be good but in the event  we had fine drizzle on and off  all day.
Before the beautiful Silver Bay I missed a turning and had to back track. Fortunately I didn't loose too much time. Also I didn't miss the  honesty book unlike two poor runners who we met a few miles later on who must have added at least an hour to their time returning to pick up a page from the honesty book.
At Trearddur Bay bought myself a mug of tea from a cafe .
I always struggle on the third day and  this year was no exception . I felt that my breathing was quite compromised and I as restricted to a survival shuffle. I kept passing and  being passed by a tall runner who was striding  along but who I never saw running . I was sure I would be able to get ahead but he left me for dust climbing the last hill of the race. Holy mountain was as beautiful as ever.
Finally I was running across the field to the sounds of Johnny Cash singing 'Ring O Fire' . It was all over for another year except for cheering, drinking beer and chatting with friends.
John Bottomley was first runner home in an amazing time of 23 hours and 23 minutes. Patrizia Sini was first lady in 29 hours and 9 minutes.Helen was 3rd lady.

A view from  Henlleys in Beaumaris (where we stayed before and after the race) looking across the Menai Strait.

After a day relaxing day in Beaumaris we sadly started the long drive home.It had been a very enjoyable holiday, and  the Ring O Fire was as always a fantastic race.We will be back!

Ring O Fire Race

For the past three years we have really enjoyed running the Ring O Fire( a race that circumnavigates the Island of Anglesey in Wales in three days). This time we decided to help marshal instead.
 On Friday we arrived at the Breakwater Park at 9am  and met up with the race directors James and  Quentin and the other marshals. It was a beautiful day though rather hot for the runners.  Our first checkpoint was Alaw Bridge which was quite hectic as the runners were close together .After a break  we went to Wylfa power Station .At this stage the distance was starting to tell on some of the runners and unfortunately one lady was timed out . Our next task was to retrieve the honesty book and flag from along the route . So we followed the last runner out and had an enjoyable jog along the coast - this is one of my favourite parts of the route with dramatic cliffs and ruins. However by the time we got back to our car it was after 11pm.
We slept at the Amlwch Leisure Centre and were woken as always by the voice of Johnny Cash singing the  Ring O Fire at 4.30 am. Again we were at the first check point of the day at Llgwy Beach. When we arrived it was still cold and we were treated to a beautiful sunrise over the sea(see picture below)The cafe there opened early and provided some amazing food - bacon baps , quiches and various other savoury bites, all free of charge to the runners. Once the final competitor had gone through and we had cleared up we had some time to spare so we explored the nearby ruins of a settlement from the time of the Romans. By now it was very warm and sunny and we had a tranquil time wandering through the green fields with the blue sea in the distance.

Sketch of the little cafe at Llgwy Bay

Sunrise over the sea at Llgwy ( from a photograph)

Next up was the checkpoint at The Sea Zoo We had a bit of a wait until the first runners came so we sat in the sun and drank cups of tea in the cafe.

Pencil sketch of the Welsh mainland from the Sea Zoo

The first runners coming through seemed remarkably fresh considering the heat but then they still had a long way to go. We had to leave at 4.30 to go to Newborough Forest the last check point of the day. The past 3 years have taught me that by the time they get to Newborough foret I am exhausted and struggling to run the last leg. Sandy's Bistro in Rhosneigir had provided a delicious lentil soup for the runners which seemed to go down very well.There was also a good selection of other sweet and savoury foods.Finally we went to Aberffraw to help serve pasta and ratatouille . The last runners came in just before 2am

At 4.30 the music was on again and the jumble of bodies lying on the floor of the little village hall groggily assembled in to a  motley crowd of runners. Nobody looked good at this stage as competitor and  marshals alike were suffering from sleep deprivation and physical exhaustion. After two glorious days of sunshine the rain was now lashing down. The first check point was at Sandy's Bistro where hot drinks and bacon baps were provided. We missed the next c.p. and went straight to Trearddur  Bay. By now most of the runners were familiar to us and we tried to encourage the as best we could.It was still raining and the puddles in the car park got deeper and coalesced until the checkpoint tent was virtually an island!

Lastly we returned to the Breakwater Park where it had all started three days before. I found it quite emotional seeing the runners come in as it brought back memories of my finishes. We had seen these runners suffer over the weekend, we had fed them and refilled their water bottles.Heard about their woes and mishaps and had consoled and encouraged them Now it  was great to see them finally triumph . It is a very tough race but with a wonderful atmosphere.

Sunday night was party night for the marshals we were treated to a slap up meal and free drinks at Sandy's Bistro . We really enjoyed marshaling and made some good friends .I feel that Bing and Quentin do an amazing job organising the Ring O Fire which is getting better and better every year.

The first man home  was Simon Sikora in a cumulative  time of 23 hours 15minutes and 4 seconds. He was an hour and 23 minutes ahead of the next  runner!

Sally Ford was the first Lady and 5th overall in a time of 26 hours 37 minutes  and 6 seconds

There were 51 finishers out of 87 starters.

 Roll on next September !

Ring O Fire Post Script

Quick sketch of Glen Nevis  painted today

In my race report for The Ring of Fire I neglected to mention the  winners.
First was William Lloyd in a time of  24.56
Second was Oliver Lutte in 25.58
Third was Andrew Williams in 26.55
All of these are outstanding  times, I was able to perform on the first day but couldn't keep it up for the rest of the race. To be able to run consistently for three days is an amazing feat.
The first lady I'm proud to say was my wife Helen , she finished in 32.16. It is all the more remarkable since  she has been injured for most of the year.
In all 36 runners finished the race out of 98 starters.

Ring of Fire Race

Scene from the road to Mallaig

Last week we ran the Ring  of Fire ultramarathon. The race is a 3 day, 135 mile stage race around the coast of Anglesey in Wales.
We spent the first part of the week in the small seaside town of Beaumaris with my parents , sister  her husband and two of her children.It was nice to spend  time  with my family, enjoy relaxing meals and explore the picturesque town .However that part of the holiday flew by and before we knew it we were on the start line listening to Johnny Cash singing 'Ring of Fire' which unsurprisingly is the race's adopted theme tune.
It seemed cool waiting  for the 1pm start but once we started running it became hot and sunny. The first section  through Holyhead is relatively boring until the main island and  the first beach is reached.I ran most of the first section on my own which I liked as I was able to go my own pace.
 By the second check point at Church Bay I was feeling good and  was surprised to overtake a few people. A runner ahead ran straight up a hill and  assuming  that nobody would run up a hill unless they were sure it as the right way, I followed. Sadly it wasn't ! However I only lost a few minutes and by now I was having  a ball.The north coast of Anglesey is exquisite , with cliffs and small rocky  bays and lots of wild flowers.The sun was shining  and both the sea and sky were blue. It was glorious!

The beautiful coast near Church Bay

The power station at Wylfa is not so pretty but beyond the village of  Cemaes it was lovely undulating running - cliff tops and small bays- that  I really enjoy.
At Bull Bay two runners ahead missed a turning and I shouted to them but only one heard. The next section is crucial because there a so called 'honesty book '- to prove that one has followed the route correctly and not cut corners one has to tear out a page from a book left at an unmanned checkpoint.
By the time I reached Amlwch( the end of day 1) I was tired but elated. I was shocked to find that I was in 6th position . A wiser runner would have slowed down to save some energy for the following stages but I had a great day and ran well because I was loving it.
At the leisure centre I tucked in to a huge portion of lasagne and  drank four mugs of tea. Helen came in about half an hour after me having also had a good day. She has only recently recovered from an achilles injury that as been plaguing her all year.
Next on the agenda was a shower and and a relaxing swim before settling down in the main hall with the other competitors for a fitful night's sleep.
My sister being a slower runner was out in the dark and only made the midnight cut off by 3 seconds. However the important thing was that she made it.
Day 2 started dry though rain and wind was forecasted. We set off before dawn heading around the coast. Despite lots of food , hydration and rest my legs were tired from Friday's 35  mile jaunt . I kept up with the same group of guys I had been with the previous day for about 3 miles then they got ahead. There was no point in pushing it because it was due to be a very long day ( nearly 66 miles). At Traeth Lligwy beach, the first checkpoint I bought a coffee, I was 30 pence short but a kind man gave me 10 pence and the even kinder cafe owner knocked 20 pence of the price!
At the next beach I made a silly navigational error that cost me a few minutes but resulted in me hooking up with another group of runners. At first I thought that they were going quite slowly but beyond Red Wharf Bay they too started to get ahead. By now the promised rain  had started but initially it was quite light.
Penmon Point was a long time coming but it always is - on the map it isn't far but the path twists and turns.I switched from a pertex to a waterproof as the rain started in earnest.
It is only 4 miles from the Penmon to the half way point at Beaumaris but the tide was high so rather than swim we had to take a road diversion . At Beaumaris I had a boost from seeing my parents and  nieces at a cafe. There was a tent at the check point with the half way bags, I ate and drank and put on another layer of clothing ,then headed up the hill. It is a long climb on the road and  even longer if you miss the footpath to the left as some runners did. Half way to Menai there was as always a .kind family handing out jelly babies. By now it was raining very heavily and  the wind was getting stronger. I ran with a runner called Gareth who was fitter than me but who was not familiar with the way. I should have known the route but my memory of it was a bit hazy.
At the Sea Zoo it was really wild .The checkpoint gazebo had been destroyed by the wind. I decided it was pointless wasting energy trying to run into the gale so I walked and took my time to munch on a pork pie . I was struggling to run much anyway, the weather and distance were starting to take its toll.

Newborough Beach (two days before the race- no wind  or rain)

Once the route turned northwest I was able to get jogging again. Gareth was now far ahead and I ran for the rest of the day on my own. Newborough beach seemed very long . Despite the extreme weather conditions there were kite surfers in the sea, I admired their strength and toughness.
At the Newborough checkpoint I was delighted to find they had soup , I drank some tea as well.  Not long after I left the checkpoint it got dark but I was on the home straight. I had a slightly sticky moment in a field when a group of cows and calves got a bit menacing, one cow in particular looked as if it was about to charge.Fortunately it calmed down after I stood still.
I was with great relief that I finally reached the village hall at Aberffraw just after 10pm. There was as always a fantastic welcome , hot tea and delicious pasta. Helen came in about half an hour later.
Throughout the night as we tried to sleep other runners arrived in dribs and drabs, the last  at about 4am  we all got about half an hour later!
At 6 am we off again for the final leg . Helen seemed very strong and I couldn't keep up with her. The weather was good - dry with a gentle breeze but mainly dull.
At Rhosneigr we were treated to bacon butties  which were quite a boost .
 The route finding is tricky in some places and a few times I had to search for footpath signs . Four Mile Bridge came and went- putting us back on Holy Island . The next objective was the honesty book at Silver Bay. Beyond this the landscape shifts up a gear and becomes more picturesque and  dramatic. I encountered a group of runners who had missed the honesty book and were forced to retrace their steps to get the vital pages.
 By Trearddur Bay I was really struggling. The same thing happened last year, but I had a solution ;I bought a mug of tea and a juice at a kiosk on the front -just what I needed. I knew I was tired because I struggled to add 70 pence to £1.20 having to ask if that made £1.90, also I had to get the lady in the kiosk to help me to get the straw in to the juice container. However as expected the caffeine and the excitement of nearing the end perked me up and I was soon going better than I had all day.The coast hereabouts is gorgeous and the sun was now shining at times . I passed another runner and told her to try to savour the last hour or so of the adventure. . The final hurdle was climbing the flanks of Holyhead mountain and then finding the  honesty book at North Stack . This done it was just a short romp to the end. It was a glorious feeling to sprint the last hundred yards to the  sound of Johnny Cash singing' Ring of Fire.'

This is the third time we have run The Ring of Fire and it just gets better and better( though not easier). The marshalls are fantastic and the route is varied and very scenic. This year we had quite a lot of weather too.

After a good nights sleep we went home the long way paying  a visit to Porthmadog to visit Rob Piercy's superlative gallery . Rob Piercy is one  of the best watercolour landscape artsts in the country. He specialises in extremely fine atmostpheric pictures of Snowdonia. His website is Rob Piercy,it is well worth a look. After drooling over the pictures and buying  a print we drove north through Snowdonia seeing the scenery he paints.