Races
Valleys Ultra (13)
England, September. 180 km on 70% trail. +25,722 ft of climbing. 46.5 hours cutoff.
- Start1,332 ft
- High1,471 ft
- Low1,113 ft
- Finish1,309 ft
- England at mile 0.0
- Valleys Ultra (13) mile 22 at mile 22, cutoff 9.3 hours
- Valleys Ultra (13) mile 45 at mile 45, cutoff 18.6 hours
- Valleys Ultra (13) mile 67 at mile 67, cutoff 27.9 hours
- Valleys Ultra (13) mile 90 at mile 90, cutoff 37.2 hours
- Finish England at mile 112, cutoff 46.5 hours
Geometrycourse math
The cruxMoorland bogs, steep fells, and night navigation on unmarked paths (near mile 73)
Course DNA
The Course
Valleys Ultra (13) runs 180 km through England. Surfaces skew 70% trail / 20% path / 10% road. Moorland bogs, steep fells, and night navigation on unmarked paths. High point near 1,480 ft. Low near 1,112 ft. September temps run 40°F to 70°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 56.
The Work
Train for the climbing across 180 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 46.5 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 73.
Kit
September in England: plan for 40°F to 70°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 46.5 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 28. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 70% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 56.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 28. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 56. Moorland bogs, steep fells, and night navigation on unmarked paths near mile 73 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 37 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
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