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XNRG Amersham Ultra | 11th March 2017

Part of the Humanity Direct Fundraising Series

By Megan James

This weekend, 111 Ultra runners joined together to run 31 miles for a great cause, Humanity Direct. With 100% of donations going to the charity, runners could select to either donate by paying an entry fee or fundraise with free entry. 

Humanity Direct Amersham Ultra Marathon

Humanity Direct is a wonderful charity that raises money for essential emergency medical operations across countries including Uganda, Tanzania and Somaliland. The charity has a unique ethos in that every penny raised goes to operations directly, working through local medical partners to make the difference and allowing fundraisers the opportunity to see the results of their fundraising. 

These important operations can cost as little as £30 and an average of £300, so with lots of runners on the start line and more than 50 operations worth of funds raised so far, we could make a real difference.

The race itself was fast, varied and a showcase of some of the best loved Chilterns walking trails. A circular race from Amersham, runners started out along fields and open footpaths along the South Bucks Way to Chesham, then turning to follow the Chess Valley Walk along the river, finally joining up with the Chiltern Way winding through woods and fields to loop back around to the finish. The XNRG team had ordered an exceptionally warm and dry day for March and the trails were remarkably dry considering the recent rain, allowing runners to relax and enjoy the wonderful views that the Chilterns are so renowned for.

Although the first time the race had run, several amazing times were set. The fastest male, Justin Montague, set a staggering time of 3:56:22, the first under 4-hour finish for a 30 mile XNRG Ultra, and the fastest female, Sophie Carter, was not far behind coming in at only 04:01:18 and bringing her in second overall. The completion rate of 104 out of 111 made for a fantastic and inclusive event with many using this as their first ultra. A superb 18 runners finished under 5 hours and many personal records were set for 30 miles. I was excited myself to finish in 05:19:48 finishing 28th and cutting half an hour off my best time to date for the distance.

Fantastic event, excellent cause - I certainly will be back for the next in the Humanity Direct Series which continues on the 23rd September with another stunning course starting from Tring.

OTHER EVENTS

Join us for a brand new three day event... The Devils Challenge multi-day! This amazing 97 mile Ultra takes place 29th April - 1st May, making the most of the beautiful South Downs Way through Hants, Surrey and Sussex. Read more and enter here

New Devil's Challenge South Downs Way

Hope you can join us!
Megan, and Team XNRG

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