Reflecting on My 31st Ultra Marathon in the Forest of Dean

This past Saturday, I crossed the finish line of my 31st ultra marathon — a milestone I never imagined I would reach.

Running in the Forest of Dean

The race took place in the stunning Forest of Dean, one of the UK’s most beautiful trail running destinations. What made it even more special was sharing the day with my sister and members of the Save Our Soles (SOS) team.

The event was expertly organized by Dave Talbot, a race director and mountain guide I’ve known for nearly a decade. His passion for ultra running and attention to detail always shine through in his events.

Coming Back from Injury

Heading into the race, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Just 12 weeks earlier, I had fractured my tibia and had only returned to proper running six weeks ago. I started cautiously, listening to my body and monitoring my shin for any signs of stress or pain.

The Challenge: 4,000 Feet of Elevation

The course featured around 4,000 feet of elevation gain, winding through technical trails and dense forest paths. With so many friends running, it was tempting to push early, but I knew pacing and self-discipline were key.

The weather couldn’t have been better. I reached the halfway point in about three and a half hours, feeling strong and steady. By 40 km, I decided to pick up the pace, overtaking about 20 runners in the final 15 km.

The last hour felt incredible. My heart rate was up, the adrenaline was flowing, and I was racing through the forest with a smile on my face.

Fuelling, Foot Care, and SOS Tape

My fueling strategy, powered by Veloforte energy gels, worked perfectly throughout the race. Even more importantly, I had no foot issues at all thanks to the SOS tape I applied before the start. It held firm over mud, sweat, and distance, giving me full confidence from start to finish.

A huge congratulations to Sam Rents, who finished in 22nd place, and to my sister, who completed her first ultra marathon — an incredible achievement.

A Tough but Rewarding Course

This race was far from easy. Some sections were steep, muddy, and technically demanding. It was also a self-navigation ultra marathon, which added a mental challenge to the physical one. But that’s what makes trail running so rewarding — the mix of endurance, adventure, and self-reliance.

Thank You to the Organisers

A big thank you to Dave Talbot and his team for putting on another incredible event. The SOS team can’t wait to return next year.