RUNNING AGAINST ALL ODDS - Ultra Marathon Documentary - Running the Length of Wales in 88 Hours

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About This Running Film
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This is the story about Gordon Hughes and Vic Izzy Owens (The Happy Runner) as they attempt to run the length of Wales (253miles/407km) in under 88 hours during the Lon Las Cymru ultra running race hosted by Cockbain Events in October of 2021.
"'A 250 mile non-stop race from Holyhead to Cardiff Bay down the centre of Wales crossing several mountain ranges. Mostly on road, you will be virtually self sufficient which will make this an incredibly difficult challenge as you would come to expect from COCKBAIN EVENTS. You will follow Sustrans cycle route 8 all the way, with the last 55 miles along the 'Taff Trail', making this possibly the longest non-stop road ultra in the UK. As will all our events this will be no-nonsense, basic and low key designed to push you to your limits'."
Mark Cockbain RD
About The Runners
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Gordon Hughes: / gordonbinrunnin
The Happy Runner: / thehappyrunnernw
Sponsored by www.flanciactivewear.co.uk/
Ambassador: activeroot.co.uk/
Co owner of www.WeRunBright.co.uk
Gear Used
*****
Main camera: geni.us/sbWtB
Main camera DO IT ALL lens: geni.us/KYdS
Running & underwater camera: geni.us/ZWrk
Mountain running camera: geni.us/0ekQe
Underwater housing: geni.us/KS3O
Gimbal for running: geni.us/isFVM
Sound recording: geni.us/XhZr5b
Action camera: geni.us/T9a0wK2
(We earn commission from the above links)
Music
*****
We licence most of the music found in our films at Artlist artlist.io/Kelp-653815 you can use this service to licence music for your own videos.
Support On Patreon
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/ kelpandfern - Support future adventure films and get early access and behind the scenes footage seen nowhere else.
As well as making virtual running for treadmill videos AD-FREE!
The Plan Is Simple, to celebrate and share the great outdoors. We will be doing this in a number of ways;
Mindful moments short nature videos.
Ultra running films
Virtual running videos
Nature documentaries
www.kelpandfern.com
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*****
Kelp And Fern are an outdoor media company, we've been photographing and videoing the outdoor world, those who love outdoor pursuits, the oceans and the mountains.
if you have a story to tell, an event to showcase or memories to save contact us and we can work together on making your story come to life.

[@maisbitt]

You will not regret watching this film. Its a monumental journey by some monumental people!

[@1elaire]

Fantastic! We were shouting and jumping up and down at the end! 😁😁😁

[@ggbarnum765]

Absolutely crazy, such a good watch. Pair of amazing nutters!! Loved this.

[@trailsandbeers]

Amazing, total respect for anyone who can run 400 km on roads and on such a boring route!!

[@grindpalm]

Lovely - just lovely! Running documentaries have become pure commercials lately, but this was true ultra running to the core... this is why we keep running... relentless forward progress! ❤❤❤

[@KelpandFern]

Glad you enjoyed it! Really appreciate your kind words and we'll continue to work hard at making real documentaries.

[@abeliever4133]

So determined! And I had no idea the ending would be like that! Thank you for showing what will power and being together can do! I’m in!

[@annacmoo]

This is by far the best ultra marathon films iv ever seen. To be honest its one of the best documentary films iv seen in its on right. Hope your going to enter it in lots of film festivals this year. I hope the amount of views start to reflect this.

[@KelpandFern]

Thanks for such kind words and we're so happy you enjoyed this film! We will be pushing it to film festivals this year and lets see where it gets, thanks again.

[@S3nexus]

What a film! This was incredible and inspiring, I've only been running for 6 months but now want this race on my bucket list. Massive respect to you all

[@23Gears]

That is an amazing achievement. In tears of joy at the end. Couldn't believe that last stretch. Well done both of you.

[@marky59]

I have watched hundreds and hundreds of Running vids on here but by far for shear raw determination this is on the top of my watch list for me - epic - thank you so much for sharing it - loved every min of it.

[@kevkongable]

I saw the 2 hour length of this and thought I couldn’t be bothered to watch it all. I was wrong, I was absolutely glued by these two and the heroic effort they put into this, they are absolutely amazing! Love their stories of hallucinations, I’ve seen turtles, New York taxis and a farmer with a gun, all just in my head whilst on Ultras!

[@KelpandFern]

We're so happy you gave it a chance and that you enjoyed it. What interesting hallucinations you've seen, crazy what comes out after such long distances and lack of sleep isn't it.

[@christiaanhorn6624]

I am an ultra runner and have watched many many youtube trail and ultra videos and this one is by far the best. You guys were unreal, I could not believe it. You must have dug very very very deep.

[@KelpandFern]

Wow, thank you for such kind words and glad you enjoyed the film.

[@naomic4942]

Most amazing film. I hadn't realised what Vic and Gordon quite went through to finish on time. Was crying my eyes out at the end! Such grit and determination- should be showing on BBC1!

[@KrisPeter]

This is an absolutely unbelievable race experience. Had me in tears at the end. Well done to the film maker. Well done to Vic and Gordon. Just superb.

[@maryannmorgan9846]

I'm not the only one watching who got emotional at the end then! 😊

[@j1lakenan1]

Unbelievable! I followed along during the event but had no IDEA just how incredible this achievement was. Saved in the permanent list of ultra inspiring ultra marathon stories.

[@shaunnicholson5389]

Unreal. That is true grit on display that we usually only see and experience in the back end of ultras...but it went on for every minute past 30hrs and 43mins. The bloody onion ninjas came out at the end too! well done, what an epic journey you two went on.

[@Kelly_Ben]

“Bloody onion ninjas”! This non crier is stealing that!😂

[@sellis1799]

Totally and utterly inspiring. Gripped right to the end. Probably the best ultra documentary I've seen. Breathtaking.

[@davemcintoshyt277]

Really enjoyed this. Gordon, you are a soldier. Vic, you are too. Hats off to the film makers, very well done.

[@KelpandFern]

Thanks souch for watching and glad you enjoyed it. Yes they really are.

[@johnstewart8665]

I've come to expect great films from Kelp and Fern. I'm never disappointed. There is true artistry here in the portrayal of the magnificent and heroic efforts of Vic and Gordon. If there's a better ultra running film out there I haven't seen it!

[@KelpandFern]

Thanks for such kind words John! I'm glad you enjoyed the film.

[@Mockba25]

One of the most emotional running films i've seen. A huge congratulations to you both, an incredible journey!!

[@flash_b_3602]

What a great journey…I was fixated from the start. Having run a fair few ultras, I see and understand some of the struggles…but, that was an amazing distance and an epic finish. Best I’ve seen for ages. 👏👏👏

[@marienixon148]

Absolutely crying my eyes out. Just incredible!!

[@splottcardiff3993]

What a nice bunch of people - fair play!! 👏

[@lisaelliott1085]

That was truly amazing and demonstrated the power and the courage of two dedicated and determined people.

[@epipolar4480]

Incredible story, film and runners! I met you and Vic this weekend at Rasselbock but had no idea! It's been years since I felt so inspired by a running film, thank you! James

[@KelpandFern]

I thought you'd enjoy it, with a big ultra coming up yourself which sounded similar to this race. Great to meet you James!

[@UltrarunningNewsNetwork]

Wow...just wow... unbelievable. That was intense!!

[@KelpandFern]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gemmarie7683]

How inspirational. This randomly appeared randomly on my you tube feed, but watched from start to finish. Heart was in my mouth at the end, and had a tear for you both. Congratulations.

[@grahamgodfrey9913]

Absolutely epic!! Gordon, I'm sure the last time I saw you you were running to the Penlan for last orders, now you're running super human distances! Huge respect to both you and Vic, you pushed each other beyond all boundaries and achieved the unachievable 💪🏿

[@mikehowie4125]

Oh my god what a video of pure inspiration. I had tears in my eyes at the end thankyou for making this video I will be running my longest ever distance in March (Green an ultra Bristol) I will take your spirit and strength with me

[@KelpandFern]

Wow, glad you enjoyed it and good luck in March

[@tearunnerslab]

Watching it now for the third time.. This is so great. I will make mye next vacation to Wales, and just run

[@rolandcolegate8228]

The human spirit to survive in all it's glory, I was willing you to stop at that last check point, but I'm glad you didn't, the speed in that last section was unbelievably gutsy, beautifully filmed, well done to all concerned. Cheers Guys.

[@SeeChadRun]

What an amazing finish! That was intense! 267 miles is astonishing. Well done runners!!!

[@Kelly_Ben]

I’ve only just started watching this, but I wanted to say this before it slipped my mind… choosing a race because A) it seemed impossible, B) it was a format you hate, to challenge yourself further, and C) to end the streak of no female finishers, is absolutely incredible. I have a new running hero. Can’t wait to finish and see it unfold!

[@KelpandFern]

Hope you enjoyed the film and yep, two incredible people and runners for sure.

[@Kelly_Ben]

I just finished it on the treadmill, and about fell off! CONGRATULATIONS to you both, and thanks on behalf of all the ladies out there for showing it can be done! I was trying to come up with something encouraging and optimistic about your “near” finish… then held my breath for the next minute! I felt every one of those stairs at the end! I’m not a cryer at all, but my eyes were a little damp on that one. Now that I’m a fan, I can’t wait to follow your future adventures! Curious though… how long did it take/how did you heal from this insanity?

[@kristylover86]

That was some of the most amazing watching. How close did they want to cut it!? Brilliant! This has inspired me to try an ultra. Not quite that big though!

[@startrunningstayrunning3445]

What an incredible story and true grit and determination. Very proud of you both xxx

[@nicksrunningandadventureschann]

Nothing but total respect for you both inspirational

[@thehappyrunner1317]

Thankyou 💖

[@michaelbennett6778]

Incredible achievement and totally inspirational to watch. I have run quite a few ultras up to 56 m but I think this is going to be the moment you guys have persuaded me to go further and enter a 100. Many thanks and great filming 👍🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️🏁

[@KelpandFern]

Best of luck with your new aims!

[@thehappyrunner1317]

Fantastic! Look forward to an update on which 100 you go for. A Welsh one prehaps?

[@csicso12]

Holy shit guys! That endgame written in Hollywood 😃 Congratulations to both of you!

[@KelpandFern]

I don't think we'll see an ending like this in an ultra for a very long time!

[@csicso12]

@@KelpandFern you're god damn right :)

[@michaelstallard8563]

What a truly wonderful film of two amazing people, I loved every second the emotion and determination shines through. Amazing and what an ending,…

[@Ourpinchofmagic774]

Very inspiring both are champion and heroic runners🥇🥇🥇🏆🏆🏆

[@paulwheeldon3487]

I'm privelaged to know Gordon. He is, exactly what you see on this video. You couldn't wish to meet a better human.

[@nickylouise]

Wow. Just wow. I remember following their little dots along the route during the race. So amazing to see it like this. Thank you! So emotional at the end I was in tears...when Vic goes...I think I got a Parkrun PB....or oh that's a big medal! You both have such big hearts. What a journey!

[@colettewhelan8487]

Thank you, so inspiring. Total cliff hanger! 😄

[@KelpandFern]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@windowtomylife3933]

Congratulations! Amazing finish 👏 well done

[@sonjam5820]

Wauw. I was rooting for you. Exiting to the last minute. Great job, well done. 🎉

[@hayleytube1]

So emotional. What a journey. A well deserved medal! Wow!

[@GaborL]

Finally got to watch this. Unbelievable, I couldn’t have guessed the ending either. Nice job filming this and sharing the experience. LGee

[@KelpandFern]

So happy that you watched it and also enjoyed it LGee! Thanks again for the kind words.

[@1975EDave]

Awesome vid!!!! 👌 So happy they made it 💪💪💪💪💪

[@VictorChavesVVBC]

This film is amazing! I couldn't hold a laugh at 1:02:55 when checkpoint 5 was labeled "NoWhere" on the aerial map. Great work all of you!

[@RichardSimcox]

Wow what an ending

[@user-ej7hw3ob6x]

Absolutely magnificent…. Loved the video… Inspirational… Thankyou!

[@KelpandFern]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@petesouthern6776]

Wow, that was amazing.

[@Gnomeye]

Really looking forward to watch the movie! :) thanks for the link

[@powerofwords4211]

Awesome video guys, such a happy ending. Really pleased for Gordon after he had to pull out in the event last year. : )

[@irun2k20patotato4]

No words.. You are source of inspiration! Watching this video I felt like to there and run all that nights.. Unique and epic experience to keep in mind forever.. Congrats!!

[@teamchopchop]

Great documentary about the physical and mental aspects of ultra running. What a fantastic performance they have delivered!

[@alisonslack6330]

Amazing congratulations such a nail biting finish

[@Thedarksiderunner]

Loved it. Well done Gordon and Vic

[@tomcrofts7284]

Amazing video and top running too. Was absolutely hooked and to finish in that way is just fantastic! Keep up the good work all 👍

[@jamiewilliams874]

Such a truly amazing documentary, a true testament to the human spirit and what can be accomplished when the body says no but the minds says yes. Huge congratulations on your incredible achievement, you have inspired so many more runners to believe in themselves and set bigger goals in their running journey.

[@mathiasdonoso5768]

Man that was epic! Well done you two!

[@nickthomas8460]

That was great.

[@rynohatate4831]

Saved for later! Looking forward to it. 👍

[@tearunnerslab]

Wow! What a great documentary!

[@KelpandFern]

Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it! Plenty more documentaries on the channel.

[@thelaziestultrarunner6177]

Cracking watch. Captivating and captures the event brilliantly. An epic achievement deserves an epic documentary!

[@TrondStenvik]

Epic stuff! Totally enjoyed watching!! 👍🏻

[@prestatynblue]

That was amazing. What an incredible journey.Absolute legends.

[@GoodChemistry]

Incredible journey, and an inspiration to us all! Thanks so much for sharing your story :)

[@darrensmith4151]

Thoroughly enjoyed that. Well done to you both!

[@shirleylowe8045]

that was immense. well done all involved x

[@Tom-mcateer]

Brilliant this ..awesome.. 👏👏👏👏

[@Ripper218]

Awesome!

[@chasm6917]

Great film and a remarkable achievement. Absolutely brilliant!

[@bushsons100]

Fantastic

[@ozenfant_ozn]

epic!

[@mikebthevegan8665]

Absolutely gripping documentary! Truly inspiring and very emotional to watch. Respect.

[@donkeykebab]

Incredible ❤

[@matthewknapper7430]

Perfect pacing !!! Incredible achievement 💯💥

[@peanutbutter604]

Wow 👀 👌 👏

[@nabranestwistypuzzler7019]

THIS IS SO EPIC!!!!!!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@JonChiefNicholson]

so great

[@markg99]

Loved this. Thanks for making and posting this truly epic journey. The race itself is probably just a few hundred km too far for me 😄🏃‍♂️ Well done to all involved 👍🏻

[@levidaisyyoung220]

what an epic video of 2 people that I admire. I dont think id ever regret watching this video.. thank you..

[@emlyngriffith5846]

What an inspirational video…..all the way from my hometown to my university town. I’m not sure what went wrong at Dolgellau….and I’m surprised at how sparse and unfriendly the check points were….but hats off to this gutsy pair. These are real athletes and I was rooting for them all the way. I really enjoyed it….Da iawn. Diolch yn fawr. 👍🍷

[@nathantaylor357]

Epic🎉

[@fcukrealmadrid]

beautiful

[@Jakettaylor]

Well done! Amazing work

[@KelpandFern]

Thanks a lot! Glad you enjoyed the film.

[@ND-jb8iq]

Great video, thanks

[@KelpandFern]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Q8Patriot]

Congrats 🎉🎉🎉❤❤ , the video is really inspiration. Going to my first 100k this year wish me luck

[@KelpandFern]

Good luck with your race, going to be an awesome adventure. Glad you enjoyed the film too.

[@martinscofield7477]

That was really good, I was very impressed by their finish! One thing I noticed was the size of the rucksacks. Do you need to carry a lot on the race?

[@thehappyrunner1317]

Yes! We were totally self supported, the last 20 hours we ran out of food and didn't come across a shop on route.. we were starving!

[@gordonhughes3202]

Many thanks to you all for your kind comments x

[@KelpandFern]

pob lwc yfory met! Thinking of you running in circles!

[@dyfedpritchard7704]

Gwych iawn!

[@jacobvandermeulen1970]

"this was the only 10 K I really enjoyed".... in a 400 K race..... I rest my case!

[@Mookiethedog]

Wow....if you're not sure if you should watch this do yourself a favor and sit back & enjoy.

[@dominicwest2212]

Brian you ledge

[@annacmoo]

@thegingerrunner have you seen this?

[@tearunnerslab]

Just paused the film where you were denied access to the indoor checkpoint. Its outrageous? They were so mean

[@ifanmorgan8070]

Ardderchog ! Be di’r stori efo cysgu efo coesau i fyny ar gadeiria ? Dwi wedi bod yn effro am dyddia tra’n gweithio ar rigs yn y dwyrain canol - 5 diwrnod heb wely ar y mwya - ond r’on i’n cysgu ar fy nhraed neu mewn gadair. Oes’na lês cysgu efo traed i fyny ?

[@thehappyrunner1317]

Haha so sleeping with legs up helps circulation and prevents swelling x

[@ifanmorgan8070]

@@thehappyrunner1317 Thanks :-) There’s a scene in Greyhound where Tom Hanks ask for his slippers because he’s been on his feet for two days, and I was delighted they put that in because it shows someone involved knows exactly what that itchy soreness feels like. Out of interest what time of day do you find hardest to get through ? For me although 4am is the most sleepy, it’s 8-10am when my concentration/ability really takes a dip. I’m just standing around working though, might be different running ?

[@jamesb514]

Absolute kudos to the runners but did the RD really make up a cut off that was so arbitrary he had to climb down when challenged?

[@markfalkingham590]

I'd say that Mark and Karen are horrible, how dare they say that to an athlete during an ultra event like that!!

[@thehappyrunner1317]

They definitely did not believe it was possible for us to complete in the time frame, but we've paved the way for them to believe it is, so those who come after us now, year after year, will be belived in. I can honestly say, Mark and Karen aren't horrible people, it was however a horrible situation to be in, and I'm glad we got to continue x