Three members of Grantham Running Club took on one of the toughest challenges of the August Bank Holiday weekend, lining up for the 128-mile Liverpool Leeds Canal Race.
Caroline Davis, Kev Wallace and Ross Warden followed the canal route across the Pennines, taking in industrial landmarks, long stretches of towpath, mixed weather and a test of endurance that would see almost half the field fail to finish.
Preparations were not straightforward. Kev faced a race against time to reach the start after a cancelled flight left him stranded in Bulgaria, while Caroline had been recovering from a virus that made even a 5k run difficult two weeks before race day. Despite the setbacks, all three arrived at the start line ready to give the event their best.
The race began at 6am on Saturday from the Radisson Blu hotel in Liverpool. After tracker fitting, kit checks and a briefing from the Race Director, runners headed out towards the canal and the long journey to Leeds.
The route featured notable points including Aintree, Wigan Pier, the Burnley Embankment, Bingley Five Rise Locks, Saltaire and, most importantly, the finish line in Leeds. Conditions were changeable throughout, with drizzle on Saturday, a heavy downpour early on Sunday morning, bright spells and later thunderstorms adding to the challenge.
Kev enjoyed the early miles and the canal scenery, but a stumble during the night jarred his back. He battled on to 87 miles before pain forced him to retire. Although disappointed, he has already pledged to return next year. For a first ultra marathon, covering 87 miles was still a remarkable achievement.
Caroline also had difficult moments, particularly in the closing stages when stomach cramps and exhaustion made progress increasingly hard. Support from fellow runners helped her keep moving, and with just over six miles to go she found the determination to push through to the finish.
Ross endured foot pain from around 55 miles, with swelling becoming worse as the race went on. By 114 miles he was digging deep to complete the final section, eventually hobbling the last 5k after being caught in a thunderstorm late in the day.
Caroline finished in 34 hours, 14 minutes and 9 seconds, while Ross completed the race in 38 hours, 34 minutes and 45 seconds. Race winner Fraser Kirk finished in 21 hours, 17 minutes and 30 seconds, with Laura Watts taking second place overall and first female in 25 hours, 15 minutes and 13 seconds.
Out of 75 starters, only 40 runners completed the gruelling event. Although the route is largely flat, the relentless towpath, tarmac and cobbles, combined with the lack of sleep, made it a formidable test. To put it into perspective, the distance is roughly equivalent to running five marathons back-to-back, or 42 parkruns.
Ross praised the checkpoint volunteers, particularly for unsupported runners, saying nothing was too much trouble and that their food, drink, encouragement and timely pep talks made a real difference.
Ross and Kev also used the challenge to raise funds for Grantham Foodbank, collecting an incredible £2,356 for the charity.
Thanks also went to Paul Davis, who crewed for Caroline throughout the race. Having the right clothing, equipment and drinks available at the right time proved vital in helping her reach the finish.
The race was well organised, with fantastic volunteers at every checkpoint and a strong sense of running community throughout. For Caroline, Ross and Kev, the weekend delivered pain, perseverance and an unforgettable sense of achievement.