How NOT to do the Manx Mountain Marathon - 50k fell race 2,800m ascent (eg don't navigate by banana)

Here's how not to do the Manx Mountain Marathon 50k, one of my favourite fell races, that took place on Sat 8 April 2023. It was soooo hilly, no idea how I managed this 10 years ago… 🤔 oh yes I didn’t have a toddler or the flu prior and I wasn’t 40. There, all my excuses! Disappointing but what did I expect after my enforced 4 week taper and making dubious navigation decisions based on the finding of a banana... And maybe I’m just not that fit anymore; maybe it’s going to take longer than I thought to get back to ultra running after having Finley in Jan 2021.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy the film, and if you'd like to see a more in-depth, behind the scenes-y, uncut, twice-as-long version you can view it (and more exclusive films) if you sign up to support the channel on Patreon here / wildgingerrunning
Thank you to the Manx Fell Runners for the race entry and allowing me to film, enter the next race here manxfellrunner...
Thank you to Steam Packet ferries for providing the crossing ticket so I could reduce my carbon footprint by not flying www.steam-pack...
Thank you to the band Scran via Culture Vannin for the soundtrack, listen to their music here culturevannin....
My book, The Ultimate Trail Running Handbook amzn.to/3jgKvTy
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[@TadeuszCantwell]

You made it a lot further then I thought when I heard you had to drop out. Well done for sticking it out as much as you did.

[@wildgingerruns]

Thanks TC!

[@MichaelODonoghueMOD]

That brought back a lot of memories. Good to see all the scenery again at slower than race pace. That might have been one of my favourite races of the year. The hills were relentless to the very end. Was so happy when I saw Ireland from the Bradda coastline though. Thanks for posting

[@wildgingerruns]

Fab!

[@underdgk9]

What an undertaking after being ill, Claire. Great effort, great attitude, wonderful spirit. Lemons to lemonade, Cudos!

[@wildgingerruns]

Lol thanks Doug, though I rather think it was banana-ade ;) he he he!

[@RosieOutdoors]

Good on you for trying, and then enjoying the route at your own pace. Navigating by banana made me laugh and feels like something I might do also.

[@wildgingerruns]

Ha ha yes! It was a bit of a silly decision but at least I got a free banana ;)

[@RosieOutdoors]

@@wildgingerruns It makes sense to me - why else would there be a fresh banana up there? On a race day, it seems likely it was from a runner. Seriously though, you did great coming off 4 weeks being ill.

[@wildgingerruns]

@@RosieOutdoors Thank you! And glad it makes sense to someone else too, cheers Rosie! x

[@trailrunningphil]

I would of got horrendously lost on that route Claire so fairplay to you for such a great video. It really shows the reality of trail running sometimes!

[@wildgingerruns]

Lol you wouldn't if you were middle of the pack following the racers, it was very easy last time I did it!

[@andreafluffkitten]

Given your illness you did really well. Loving this version of the video.

[@wildgingerruns]

Thank you AM! Very kind of you!

[@martinpenrice]

Well done main thing is you turned up starting line. Thanks for the video really enjoy your content

[@wildgingerruns]

Thanks MP! Really lovely of you to say so! :)

[@haggis2112]

Well done , I did the same thing as you and followed the fence over the Stream into the heather/bracken assault course . The video does not do it justice lol , good on you for even starting 👏

[@wildgingerruns]

Ha ha it wasn't just me then! I need to not do that next time! It was a suffer fest! :)

[@hydrosphere-diving4176]

Well done - great video, bringing back the memories. The cutoff times on the first half of the course were certainly sharp. Btw - your video from last year motivated me to sign up and I had an amazing day! We even had sunshine!

[@wildgingerruns]

Aw fab that you signed up from the film last year, that was the cunning plan! It's defo a tough race when you're not fit like me this year, will have to go back, will you? See you there in 2024!

[@michaelbatterbee448]

Looks amazing good effort epic channel keep up the good work

[@wildgingerruns]

THanks MB!

[@arleenm7367]

Such a gorgeous route! Well done in pushing through as far as you did Claire 😀

[@wildgingerruns]

Thanks it is beautiful isn't it!

[@tonyreeves5083]

I really loved this video, despite the ultimate outcome. This was a real "warts and all" review and wow - the scenery was amazing! I know exactly how you felt, having had Covid 2 weeks prior to the Machester marathon. Well done Claire - see you at the NVR!

[@wildgingerruns]

Thanks TR! Looking forward to seeing you!

[@trueredred859]

Well done,great effort considering your previous illness

[@wildgingerruns]

Thank you!

[@Boudhewein]

I know the feeling did the 70km Vuurtorentrail on the island of Ameland in March this year. And after 30k I got a sore hip. So walked the next 40k.

[@wildgingerruns]

Wow you walked the whole 40k second half! Amazing! Well done you Bram!

[@TheUnicornPacer]

Oh no Claire I was willing u on my dear u very nearly made 2nd check. U done well dear x 🙌

[@wildgingerruns]

Aw thank you!

[@TheUnicornPacer]

@@wildgingerruns you're welcome hunv watching ur vids uv inspired me to do longer distances x

[@wildgingerruns]

@@TheUnicornPacer This is great to know Sharlotte!