Europe's TOUGHEST 50k? | Ultra-Trail Snowdonia 2023 | UTS50

[@fatherdamo2]

Well done on finishing, I called it a day at second check point. Heat and Sun was too much for me and there was no water when I arrived. Knowing what was ahead from last year made me call it. Didn't want to ruin somebody else's race dragging me off the bog ahead :)!! Looks like being an hour ahead of the 'pack' made a great difference in the aid station experience. Good luck with next years 100k

[@ChrisBranch]

It's always better safe than sorry in the mountains, but a shame they had run out of water. I hope you enjoyed the first two climbs - that's still a solid day out, especially in those conditions! ☺️🙏

[@fatherdamo2]

I had a good time, 30km and 2000m so a good day out. Was a great weekend and also eyeing up a future 100km. Didn't find the desire either to complete something I'd done before, need that new challenge!

[@bev9708]

😮They ran out of water?!!!😯 I never imagined that was even a thing!! That’s downright dangerous!! Is that how they convince the slower runners to give up?? 😢🤷🏻‍♀️ YOU seem to have an awesome attitude about it , bravo!!! Hope you enjoy next year!!🙋🏻‍♀️

[@markg99]

Making it look easy this time and finishing with a big smile on your face. Well done, Chris 👍🏻🏃‍♂️

[@ChrisBranch]

Thanks so much Mark! I loved it, and it was great to feel so much stronger this year. I hope your training is going well 😊🙏

[@sarjannarwan6896]

I met Thomas after the 3rd aid station and we went together for a while during the undulating climbs. The guy did the 100k category Transvulcania race the week before 😆and finished ahead of me. It was nice having the cows near the end sharing the trail path. I definitely underestimated this race and was chasing cutoffs but got there in the end, I'm tempted to try for the 100k next year as a challenge but the 55k was terrifying itself. (This was my first ultra so was a bit of a shock to the system but love the fact that it was hard and I can be more confident in future races)

[@ChrisBranch]

Oh wow, he didn't tell me that! 😂he's a machine 💪 I think everyone underestimates this race (I certainly did last year!), that's why I wanted to stress it in the video; not to scare people but to make sure everyone is prepared. With a consistent year and some other (easier) ultras around the 50-mile mark, you could definitely crack the 100k next year - I felt ready for it this year, although it would have been terrifying! (Just the right amount of terrifying though 😏) Say hi next year if you sign up!

[@jamstaa69]

We’ll done.. couldn’t agree more. Any failings at the aid stations were not the fault of the wonderful volunteers,, they were doing their best to get food out and prepped and water ready. I timed out at aid station 3.. due to failings in myself.. My training wasn’t correct, I wished I’d managed to recce the course as I could’ve adjusted it, and I didn’t take enough water away from check point 1. I filled my bottles, but I didn’t drink enough and didn’t respect the distance/time it would take to get to the check point 2 (hadn’t done that route before) and some reason didn’t fill my extra bottle up.. which was the whole reason I took it??? I went off nutrition because I was rationing my water and the heat dried me out so I couldnt mouth the calories.. sat at check point 2 to charge my watch and take on water and calories.. but damage was done looking up at mynydd mawr knowing I had a few hours but quads were shot.. got to the top of that unable run down.. and knew I wasn’t going to make it.. My failure was me,, no one else.. and I’m not a stranger to Snowdon.. so didn’t enter thinking it was going to be anything less than brutal.. bit that was more due to the heat. Still loved the whole thing!! Booked to get it done next year. It was my first DNF,, took a bit to come to terms with it.. but I’ve just done an ultra on Snowdon and competed it so that’s helped 😂. I have to say though.. the organisers need to do something with the water, the poor volunteers, especially cp2, were breaking themselves trying to keep two water butts filled with water from a massive bowser.. why wasn’t the bowser plumbed in to some taps like I’ve seen on utmb? Maybe worth a try? Cp1 had watering cans on flow.. cp2 nothing, I really felt sorry for them. Regarding food.. I couldn’t get certain things as I’d expect to see.. just bananas example.. the volunteers were over stretched they were doing their best.. I couldn’t get any food at cp1, and at cp2 was fully stocked.. I sat out side.. walked back through to use loo before I left (20min) everything was stripped.. the people coming in had a similar experience I had at cp1.. Hopefully next year they’ll be able to support the numbers of runners signing up. Bit as I say.. I failed because of me.. and I could tell others we even less prepared.. but we’ll done to all to did it.. successfully or otherwise.. and MASSIVE thanks to the volunteers!

[@ChrisBranch]

On reflection, and having spoken to many people about it, they should have been better with the water. I hadn’t realised there had been problems in previous years also. With the heat this year, I am sure they learned a big lesson and I hope they iron out the processes for next year. Bad luck on the race, it was a really tough day out there! Good luck if you try again next year ☺️🙏

[@jakejames6994]

Well done Chris, nice to see your Mrs supporting you too 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@ChrisBranch]

Thanks so much! Mel loved it so much I've managed to persuade her to do the 25k next year 💪☺️

[@jakejames6994]

@@ChrisBranch that’s awesome mate and so begins another adventure for you both ! Good luck not that you need it 🙌

[@ChristianPoultonRuns]

Well done Chris - basically what I thought about the race. I ran out of water as well but I out this down to my lack of foresight not the organisers.

[@ChrisBranch]

Yes, it was tough out there, but we have to be prepared for everything mountains can throw at us - I was kicking myself for not having enough water, but we learn lessons the hard way ☺️🤷‍♂️

[@ChristianPoultonRuns]

@@ChrisBranch absolutely! I’ll probably do the 50k again next year. I learned a lot and hopefully can put this into practice.

[@kimmcbirnie5747]

For every long race I've ever done I've always gone into it with all the food and drink I think I will need, if there is something nice at an aid station that's a bonus, but I feel like it is entirely my responsibility to be prepared. Well done on your race!

[@ChrisBranch]

This is absolutely the best approach. Thanks so much, and happy training 😊🙏

[@martinweston8147]

Great vid and comments, I do like the positive vibe in this review. I remember Gary House, talking about the mandatory kit list and his response was "look out the window, you'll now what to take", He was right! I took my 2ltr bladder, sun hat and sun tan lotion and used them all, it was my fault I didn't fill up my bottle at CP1, and also ran out like most others before CP2, but a week on, all those negatives have gone and I just want to be back running in the mountains with a thousand others, it was an epic day!, If you think you can run an easy 100k then the UTS50K is the one for you. Shame there were so many un collected finishers medals (DNF's), but I got mine :=)

[@ChrisBranch]

Exactly, it should be quite simple really - just look out the window 😂. And I agree, the UTS50 is comparable with an undulating 50-miler or a flat 100k. It's possible to do as one's first ultra, but respect it for what it is. Well done for getting the medal 😊👊

[@JungleWage]

Love your videos, Chris! Your tone is really calming and reassuring every time, haha! I'm following you closely every day. Keep up the good work!

[@ChrisBranch]

I'm so pleased! Thanks so much for the comment 😊🙏

[@stephenspence8539]

Great video thanks for not producing a moanfest of a video, very positive and refreshing to watch. I have just entered the 50k for 2025 as my first ultra, so your advice has been really helpful - THANK YOU👍

[@ChrisBranch]

Haha there are a few complainypants out there. I sympathise a little; UTMB races are expensive, and they should get held to a higher standard because of that. BUT. We have to respect the mountains. We have to take ownership for our own health out there, and the race organisers can't do everything for us. I hope you have a wonderful experience - I have loved it all three times I've raced there 😊🙏⛰️

[@ActiveIdeas]

Wish I had watched this before the race! That Tailwind tip is GOLDEN 🌟 Awesome vid Chris 👊🏼

[@ChrisBranch]

Haha, don't put it in the bladder like I did! That was a big mistake. However, having an extra bottle of gloop to carry in a race belt is a good idea :)

[@ActiveIdeas]

@@ChrisBranch Hahah, oh really?!? I was sold! I faff so much at checkpoints, I love the idea of just topping up the 'gloop' with water 🤣Noted, race belt it is 👊🏼

[@wildgingerruns]

Well done Chris! Great to see you at the race, awesome film, I've only just finished mine! Love all your tips and strategy, really useful advice! :) And good luck in your 100 miler! Claire

[@ChrisBranch]

Thanks so much Claire! I've got your film earmarked for my lunch break today, looking forward to it! It was great to meet you, and hopefully see you on the start line of another race some day 🙏😊

[@seasiderp6859]

Well done fella, love the inner monolog wars, I'm fascinated by that side of ultra running

[@ChrisBranch]

I think that's the main reason I do it 😂

[@bev9708]

How AWESOME!!! Such a huge difference after just watching your first Snowdonia video the other day … yep as with EVERYTHING in life, a little experience goes a long way!! Absolutely gorgeous place to do an ultra!! Sounds like the financial pinch has affected the race organization too but not enough water is seriously dangerous, and yep it does scare me frankly! You sure have an awesome attitude about it though. 🎉BRAVO BRAVO Chris!!🎉💪🏻🏃🏅🍾🥂

[@ChrisBranch]

Thanks so much! I'm excited to be back again next year for the bigger sister, the 100k. I'm nervous though! 😬☺️

[@bev9708]

@@ChrisBranch I bet!!! I signed up for my first 70k later in the year, VERY nervous about it!! First I gotta get through the 50k in April!😬😩

[@ChrisBranch]

@@bev9708 You're going to smash it 👊

[@AnneHurrell-b2o]

Great video, really enjoyed reliving the route. Also, your feelings on the 100k are exactly mine - see you at the start!

[@ChrisBranch]

Amazing! Good luck with your training, I'm going to be hitting a lot more strength training this year in preparation. Say hi next year ☺️🙏

[@mathiasdonoso5768]

Keep in control and keep comfy, that's the recipe for a great day! Well done!

[@ChrisBranch]

Sound advice 👌 thank you 🙏

[@greyrunnings9725]

Thank you, very useful for my prep for the 25k race in May 2024

[@ChrisBranch]

I'm so pleased it helped! Good luck with your training ☺️🙏

[@Ultra_running]

Brilliant video mate, watched your video from last year as prep for the 100k this year. I agree with you on the comments around race organisation and running out of water. I took a 2l bladder and a 500ml soft flask but still filled up in the streams. You can’t enter a race like this and blame anyone else if your underprepared. Well done and keep the videos coming 👍🏻

[@ChrisBranch]

Thanks so much! And yes, it was a tough day out there, but that's the challenge we sign up for ☺️

[@roganmartin1462]

Ooh thanks for the tailwind tip, going to try that one!

[@ChrisBranch]

It backfired! I no longer recommend that! I ran out of water on that second climb up Snowdon and I had to drink the whole lot because I was so desperate. I think I had over a thousand calories of gloop in half an hour 😂 lucky I wasn't sick. Now I take extra sachets of Tailwind, but I won't be using the gloop again 🤦‍♂️😂

[@JCRoblox7]

Really enjoyed this - Managed to sneak a cheeky appearance at the start line! Looking forward to the 100k YT video! 😊

[@ChrisBranch]

Nice! Do you think you'll race there again next year?

[@callmeal4183]

What a refreshing take on ultra races. Yes, research the race and be prepared. Take personal responsibility. This is not an urban marathon. This is a MOUNTAIN challenge, with all that it implies. It is hazardous. It is not a jog in the park. Great video which successfully conveys the personal achievement and satisfaction which can be gained by appropriate planning and a focussed mind-set during the race. Good luck on your next challenge.

[@ChrisBranch]

Thanks so much, Al. Did you race? I hope you achieved what you were hoping to. And you are so right, we have to be prepared for anything in the mountains and it's on us to look after ourselves. Say hi if you see me on the start line of a race some day 😊🙏

[@callmeal4183]

@@ChrisBranch Hi Chris, I'm an old time old school runner of some experience just getting back to running on the fells after a 20 year hiatus (due to injuries, work and family commitments). Your comments regarding taking responsibility is spot on. Look in the mirror. If you fall short of your expectations, what does that tell you? Deep eh? Running in the mountains is tough. Accept it and savour the experience. The bad times and good times are equally valuable as they reveal who you truly are.

[@ChrisBranch]

​@@callmeal4183 You perfectly summarised why I do races like this - I want to discover who I truly am, and it's by doing hard things that we find out. Best of luck getting back into it!

[@callmeal4183]

@@ChrisBranch Cheers Chris 👍

[@streetninjas313]

Awesome video and incredibly helpeful in terms of tips. Loved your section at the end gave me some really useful info. See you at the start line of the 100K in a few months!

[@ChrisBranch]

Thanks so much, I'm glad it helped! I'm planning a 'preparations for UTS' video too, which I'll launch about 6-weeks before, so keep an eye out for that. It's such beautiful but savage terrain, kit choices are so important. Best of luck with your training 😊🙏

[@streetninjas313]

Awesome I'll keep my eye out for that, going to watch your training plan writing video next. And thanks, planning to head to Snowdonia this weekend to meet a friend who did the 50K last year and lives in the area so he's going to take me on a 15mi recce run @@ChrisBranch

[@chrisharris4223]

Really nice video, I’m looking at this for next year (can’t decide which one), all look fantastic but you make some good points and I will train well for the hills!

[@ChrisBranch]

Thanks so much! It's such a good race and I'm looking forward to the 100k. Good luck deciding ☺️🙏

[@HaroonMota]

Well done Chris. It was great to meet you! Lots to learn from your video. Very insightful. Thanks

[@ChrisBranch]

Hi Haroon, thanks so much! And the important question... have you signed up again? 🤔😂

[@HaroonMota]

@@ChrisBranch I have indeed signed up for the 50k again :)

[@ChrisBranch]

@@HaroonMota haha amazing! I'm signed up for the 100k, but hopefully see you around on the Friday 😊🙏

[@wk633]

I also do the "one bottle with 1K cal of goop" thing, but put it in a front bottle. And I make my own from maltodextrin and fructose. I've tried different flavor/electrolyte combinations. Early Grey tea is great but I haven't tried that with electrolytes in it.

[@ChrisBranch]

Great idea! I definitely like the theory of it, but downing it all in one go due to dehydration was fairly disgusting 🤦‍♂️😂

[@davidbriant6199]

Great video cheers. Love how your beard flows into your patagonia gilet!

[@ChrisBranch]

😂😂😂 that's EXACTLY why I bought it 😂🤦‍♂️

[@rob.pittaway]

Well done Chris! You’ve reignited my motivation to go for a 50k toward the end of the year.

[@ChrisBranch]

Amazing Rob! Get the training in, stay consistent and you'll smash it 👊☺️

[@YuennyLam]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I have signed up to do the 25K version next year, so this video is helpful and interesting. I will certainly be expecting it to be the hardest race I have done. Good luck with your 100K training!

[@ChrisBranch]

Amazing! You'll absolutely love it, and the 25k is a nice entry to mountain running. Strength is just as important as cardio, so don't neglect it like I have in the past. Good luck with your training too! 😊🙏

[@NIBricks]

Watching this has opened a can of worms, I’m interested in entering next year if I can fit it in around other commitments

[@ChrisBranch]

Hahaha it is a can of worms indeed. When I saw the website back in 2022, I knew it would be the adventure for me. It's exactly what they say it is: savage and beautiful in equal measure ☺️🙏

[@graeme-e9]

You'll have an amazing experience on the 100k next year - sounds like youve got the right mindset for it! I did the 50k two years ago when the course was very different (pre-UTMB) and stepped up to 100k last week. Interestingly the thing i didn't struggle with was fluids - and i only had 2 500ml flasks (plus an unused spare in the back). I think our earlier start helped, plus careful use of drinks at the aid stations - plus i guess i was moving slower than you folks doing the 50. Great video and good luck for your next challenge!

[@ChrisBranch]

Thanks so much, I appreciate that. And that is interesting about the water! Everyone I spoke to between CP1 and 2 in the 50k had run out, but we had our longest stretch and the biggest climb around noon for most of us. I hope you've recovered well, the 100k is a beast! 😊🙏

[@Ballard74]

Amazing videos and amazing advice thank you 🙏

[@ChrisBranch]

Thank you so much, I'm so pleased it helped! 😊🙏

[@benlangford34]

Helpful thanks 🙏🏻 man inspiring

[@ChrisBranch]

Thanks, I'm so pleased it was helpful 😊🙏

[@mickdubhgall]

Great video!! good luck for the 100 miler... I did the 100k.... It was a quad buster. I'd recommend lots of quad strength training for the downhills.... :~}

[@ChrisBranch]

Haha thanks for this! I'm getting to work on my leg strength already - it'll take a year to get these skinny pins prepared for it I think 😂 Well done for getting round yourself, it was a tough day out there 👊

[@jackcollo7738]

Well said matey. I did the 50 and was a cracker 👏. Cramped like a beast though

[@ChrisBranch]

Bad luck with the cramp. It was like running through a warzone at times, so many people hobbling around! Those salt tablets really helped me 😊🙏

[@dansouth2088]

Great stuff and congrats! Good luck in your 100!!

[@ChrisBranch]

Thanks so much ☺️🙏

[@totalwalker]

Amazing.. Keeep it up!!!

[@ChrisBranch]

Thanks so much ☺️🙏

[@changary6061]

Well done Chris! I ran the 100km last week, and the big boss is cp2(Pen-y-Pass) to cp4 (MCNW Hut) and the second climb up to Snowdon at night, which you have done in 50km. CP2 to CP4 is very technical, requiring a lot of climbing up and down. If you have time, I will suggest a recon on those parts :)

[@ChrisBranch]

This is amazing advice, thank you! I just had a look and it looks like Pen-y-Pass to MCNW Hut is CP1 - CP3. Is that what you mean? It certainly looks brutal, along with the 2nd climb up Snowdon at 75k 🥴 although I would love to do that at sunset. I'll definitely try to get there for a recce, I really appreciate your advice, thank you 🙏

[@changary6061]

​@@ChrisBranch yeah, you're right, CP1 to CP3. The downhills are disgusting.

[@ChrisBranch]

@@changary6061 haha well if they're disgusting having just come down the Pyg Track that's saying something! I'll get there for a recce for sure 👍

[@danielmartin8847]

Good strategy.. no so good with the carbs .... very good details video welldone with your race

[@ChrisBranch]

Thanks so much! What do you mean about the carbs? What did I get wrong? ☺️🙏

[@danielmartin8847]

@@ChrisBranch Hi Chris have all the carbs in the same bag 1000 Carbs is way too much you don't control how much you have on your body, the recommendation is to have a max of 100 and you have to train that ammount , so ideal 80mg per hour this will make the difference if you going to work out the next one, I can not go this year I will go next year ... for the 100M lets see how difficult will be

[@ChrisBranch]

@@danielmartin8847 I was intending to take little sips all the way round 😂🤦‍♂️ that went out the window when I felt massive dehydration coming on. Thankfully my gut felt fine, but obviously it wasn't ideal. Good luck in the 100M next year, I may be back in 2025 for that beast, but I'm being sensible to now and building up slowly ☺️🙏

[@danielmartin8847]

@@ChrisBranch I am follow you will be nice to see you on your next race please let everyone posted

[@ChrisBranch]

@@danielmartin8847 will do! I've got my first ever hundred miler next Saturday and I'll be making a video about it. It's hilly, but nothing like Snowdonia - 100M in that terrain will be savage! 😂

[@gwenllianroberts5857]

'Mynydd mawr' - literally means 'big mountain'. Booked into the UTS 25km next year, hoping for similar weather!!

[@ChrisBranch]

Haha thank you! My brain wasn't working after that climb 🤦‍♂️😂. And amazing that you've signed up to the 25k, you'll love it ☺️. While we're putting in requests to the Snowdonia weather gods, I'd like it just a couple of degrees cooler if poss, but just as much sun 😎

[@No_Words_Needed]

Well done Chris, saw you at 7ish that day looking pensive (focused?). Really glad you had a good experience. I fully agree with you on CP/food/fluid, my thinking in any event is that we *all* need to be self sufficient for the duration. I took an empty bladder with me but only used it from CP3, it was a godsend, but I did regret not filling it at CP1 for longest/steepest/hottest section of the day 🙈😂

[@ChrisBranch]

Haha bad luck not filling up at CP1 🤦‍♂️😂 that stretch was brutal! And I think I saw you across the crowd too, would have been good to meet irl 😂 What are you thinking for next year?

[@No_Words_Needed]

@Chris Branch had always envisaged doing the 100k; however, I feel I now have unfinished business with the 50k, so will most likely do that. Seriously though Chris, I'm local so anytime you want to come up and recce the 100k course hit me up on insta etc. Be good to catch up 👍

[@ChrisBranch]

@@No_Words_Needed amazing! I'll take you up on that. I've just had some great advice about recceing Pen-y-Pass to MCNW Hut which I'd like to do, especially as it wasn't in the 50k. What's your unfinished business? I thought you did amazingly well! You going for closer to 8hrs?

[@No_Words_Needed]

Thanks @Chris Branch 👍Pleased with my efforts, but had a poor run up to it (training wise) which led to cramp and about 40mins slower than predicted. Would like to put that right before moving on. PyP to the Hut should deffo be recced. I know it well so maybe put that in the diary 😁👍

[@JayClareUK]

Hi Chris! I used your 'Tailwind Soup' technique on the Xterra Snowdonia 55k, worked a charm! There's a video on my channel of it, if you fancy giving it a watch!

[@ChrisBranch]

Love it! I'm so pleased it helped 😊🙏

[@michaelmccrossan7655]

Hi Chris Great video. Very helpful. I enjoy your content and have subscribed. I am going for UTS 100km this year and really looking forward to it. What time roughly would you estimate it would take to complete the 100km? Thank you

[@ChrisBranch]

Hi Michael, thanks so much! And I'm guessing you mean how long do I think I will take? Because I have no idea how long you will take 😂. I'm thinking 22 hrs is probably my top limit, and sub-24 would be nice, but I really don't care if it's longer. It will all depend on how much I slow down in the night time in the mountains (and I won't have a chance to practice this beforehand). This is a test of getting to the finish line for me 😊🙏

[@NickGoodman-d7x]

Awesome running Chris. Well done. I am doing the Snowdonia trail marathon next July. Would you have any tips please Chris for training for the technical stuff? Thanks.

[@ChrisBranch]

Funnily enough, my next video (I am literally editing it now) will be titled 'How to train for the mountains if you live somewhere flat'. I just need to go for a specific run to film some b-roll, then it will be out next week. Other than that, if you have a chance to recce the route, or practice on similar terrain, that is always best. Keep your eyes peeled for the next video, but I will be posting more throughout the year because preparation is key!

[@NickGoodman-d7x]

That's great advice thanks Chris and I will watch out for the mountain training video. I also noted your advice on how nailing your nutrition and pacing in the mountains are vital too. Thanks.

[@ChrisBranch]

@@NickGoodman-d7x yes totally. I speak about that in my Chester 50 video too (Trying to even-split a double marathon). Basically, I aim at 300-400 calories every hour and it really helps 👍

[@NickGoodman-d7x]

Thanks very much Chris. I will check out that Chester video. I am looking to really improve my nutrition strategy before Snowdon and I like the tip of also putting calories in a water bladder.

[@isaacsillence]

Very impressive run, I'm hoping to do Snowdonia in the future however its already booked out for 2024 so another year i guess😅. What shoes did you wear for this race, it looks mainly rocky not muddy but wondering what grip you needed?

[@ChrisBranch]

Bad luck! They sell out so fast. I wore the Altra Olympus. The race is very boggy in places, and this year we were lucky with the weather, but the year before there was lots of rain and the grassy downhills were brutal! Everyone in the race talks about shoe choice, and there really isn’t one perfect shoe. Some of it is rocky, some grassy, some boggy, and then of course it depends on the weather. If you optimise for one thing, another thing suffers! Having said that, I’m always happy with the Altra Olympus 👍

[@isaacsillence]

​@ChrisBranch Thanks for the reply on such an old video and the helpful tips

[@MrAust13]

So you don't think that the electrolytes in Tailwind is enough then?

[@carlstoakes6240]

Quick question for you, was the 'Hot Weather' kit triggered for the '23 event? The weather looks hot but hardly anyone wearing a desert cap...?

[@ChrisBranch]

Good question, and I can't remember for sure, but I think it was a case of 'it's hot, be careful out there, but we're not triggering the hot weather protocol'. The cynics would say it's because they didn't have enough water to give everyone 2l to leave the aid stations with 🤦‍♂️. I'm going to be filming a video next week about everything you need to know ahead of UTS this year, so keep an eye out if you're doing it ☺️👍

[@carlstoakes6240]

@@ChrisBranch Thanks and yes I am 👌

[@mjogorman1]

Great video Chris! Insane to think a Snowdon 55k is a training run! 😂 I ran my first 50k this month and I really want to run this race next year. Does the event sell out quickly, or is there a ballot? I'm really trying to make sure I don't miss out! Well done again 👊

[@ChrisBranch]

Haha yes, I'm as baffled as anyone that I can do these runs. The human body really is amazing when we're consistent with our training. The race did sell out this year, but not til recently. However, it's got busier each year so I'm not going to risk it and I'm going to get an early bird ticket. Accommodation in the town books up fast too, so if you want a place where you don't have to drive to the start line, I'd get that booked soon too. Lots of people stay within a 30-min drive though and there is parking, it's just a bit of a faff! Tickets for the race come out on 24th May. Say hi if you see me there ☺️🙏

[@sarjannarwan6896]

​@@ChrisBranch Just, in addition, don't expect public transport to run 24/7 if you don't have a car and are staying further away. I finished nearly 10pm and google maps was showing the next bus at around 7am the next day to caernarfor (maybe 30 min bus ride). The taxis also seemed pretty booked up (luckily I managed to get one)

[@ArielKrei]

Is there a time limit on these kinds of races? You have to finish by x time?

[@ChrisBranch]

Yes, they can be found on the website 👍

[@The-cat-ate-my-kitcat]

Hi what time did you do if that is not too private a question?

[@ChrisBranch]

I ran it in just over 10 hrs. I started with a friend and took it easy for a few hours, then pushed on. It's a great day out ☺️🙏

[@runningstories4791]

Why don't you have a spare pack ready with all you need to just a swap over.?

[@ChrisBranch]

They have drop-bags in the 100k and the 165k, but not the 50 and 25. I don't think they're necessary, but this was a particularly hot day and everyone was struggling out there!

[@_Mountain_Dave]

Definately not the toughest European Ultra having done this course, love Snowdonia great Video btw :-) But the OCC UTMB 50km around Chamonix is a far more demanding course (or i thought so) primarily due to the altitude but also the terrain play it's part too. Climb meters is only slightly more from memory but the altitude difference of running passes over 7000 feet hits the HR much harder. Good luck on your next one and hope you keep injury free :-). Edit - i Should add every race is subjective to prep, fitness, nutriention/hydration, also conditions on the day, mental stamina and also the recovery position you go into it. So as you know can run the same course twice and have days that are just torture and suck, while others fly.

[@ChrisBranch]

I love this, thank you 🙏. I have never raced in the Alps, but I can imagine the altitude gets to you. I was chatting to people who really struggled with the terrain of Snowdonia, but it depends what your conditioning is like. And, as you say, no two races are ever the same! I guess my main point was that we have to respect the mountains, they will gobble us up if we're not careful! Good luck with your training 😊🙏