Westcountry Ultra (Hilly!) 50 mile

We know this is the Hilly 50 but we’re afraid there are a few flat sections – it’s just that people have complained about the hills on the Flat 50 so maybe this would be an issue too ; ) 

Starting and finishing in Minehead, this run takes in some of the most brutal climbs you will find in Somerset. To a fell runner from the Lake District this might not seem too imposing but if you’re from the south it’s probably going to be as challenging as much of what you will find, perhaps unless you’re from the Cornish coast. Taking in some of the best of Exmoor with lush ancient woodland, astonishing views from vast cliffs, sweeping moorland and a few more hills just when you thought they were over… well, let’s just say you’re in for a proper adventure. The winning time has got significantly faster each year so far, which shows that a fair bit of the course is quite runnable, but make no mistake – this is a challenging one. If you want to run 50 miles fast then enter the flat 50, if you want a challenging 50 miler enter the hilly 50

Check out some of the pictures to get an idea of the scenery that awaits you! The coast path climbs, then falls, then climbs again, then goes flat just for a very short time…. the inland sections of the route climb high, drop low, climb high again, maybe go flat for a very short while…. you get the picture. This run is an elaborate four course meal for the senses, taking in some truly mind-blowing scenery – perhaps our most visually stunning race route of all if one had to be chosen. When you get to the finish there will be somewhere comfortable to sit and some lovely snacks and drinks, and because it starts and finishes in the same place your car will be waiting for you, or your lift. If you have time you can hang around and see the 100 milers finish : ) 

A number of runners reported feeling surprisingly good the day after the hilly 50 in 2019, which is perhaps because the hills give your legs a break from the relentless pounding of flatness. Many reported that it was one of the most stunning courses they had run – if you are quick then you get to see it all in daylight, but if you take longer you should get a magnificent sunset, plus you will be in a dark skies reserve so if it’s clear then you will see an absolute carpet of stars across the sky! We had the biggest field yet for the Hilly 50 in 2019 and it made for a wonderful atmosphere. We would love to see even more in 2021…..