Back in July, on one of the hottest days of the year, my Mum and I took part in the Threshold Trail Series’ Race to the Stones ultra-marathon. Having worked on their Ultra 50:50 initiative to encourage female participation, it felt particularly special to be experiencing the event side by side with her.
Race Organisation
The organisation was faultless, from the clearly marked route to the incredible support of staff and marshals along the way. The Ridgeway itself, steeped in history and surrounded by stunning scenery, made the challenge feel all the more meaningful.
We set off bright and early at 6 am, joining the line of participants stretching out along the trail. By 8 am, the sun was strong, and water, electrolytes and well-timed snacks quickly became our lifeline. The lively pit stops were little oases where we could catch our breath, cool down, and gather some energy to carry on.
Challenging Conditions
The heat made every mile even more challenging than we had anticipated, the stones underfoot were unstable, and a pretty fierce blister was a nasty surprise, but together we found ways to keep going, talking, laughing, even singing to lift our spirits.
When we finally reached the Stones, 50km and over 8 hours later, the sense of achievement was overwhelming. We hadn’t just covered the distance; we had supported each other through every step and created a memory I’ll treasure forever. On the hottest day of the year, we proved to ourselves that endurance isn’t just about speed, it’s about patience, resilience, and the joy of sharing the journey.
I look forward to taking on my next Ultra challenge soon. Now I know why people get hooked!
Written by Lotty Campbell Bird, Account Director at Aspire, who is always on the lookout for the next endurance challenge!
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