JOGLE Ultra (Trans England) from John O'Groats to Lands End in 16 days 864 miles, England

01. stage at 04/20/2012 from John O'Groats to Brora, (day: 63.9miles / overall.: 63.9miles)

The first runner got up just past 4 am. One after the other crawled off his bed. When we came down Ann had prepared already breakfast. She had cooked porridge during the night. Also there were sandwiches with ham and eggs.

After we had a good breakfast we went towards the starting area. Sadly the god of weather did not like us. It rained lightly and the wind blew from time to time quite strong. From beginning on Steve Pope, Tom Haines and I went away from the others. But soon Tom H. fell behind. From time to time there were short rain showers and the wind blow almost all the time. After about 12 miles (19 km) I went on faster, because I wanted to get warm. Just before we had the only turn of the day. Well, in the end there was another turn in Bora. You can not really count it, because it was just to get from the A9 to the parking area of the bus. Because of cold and wet weather people cooled out quite quick. It was just a shame we had such bad weather, otherwise we would have a lot of beautiful views. At Wick we passed the shortest street of the world ( Wikipedia ) The course was mainly beside the coast. There were plenty of cliffs and beaches to see. The houses were quite rustic made out of stone quarry. Very often they were empty or already fallen down. Otherwise there were only crow, sea gull and sheep to see. From time to time a rabbit or a deer ran around, but nothing more.

Normally there should be aid stations every 10 miles (16 km). Jen and Rory came late at the third aid station, because Steve P. And I were running so fast. So they decided to have only one more stop during the last 30 miles (48 km). At the aid stations wraps, sandwiches, gebäck, schoko bars, fruchgummi, milk shakes and water were supplied.

At Bora the city of our finish was nothing to see. Normally there should be aid stations every 10 miles (16 km). Steve P. and me were to fast, so already at the third aid station Jen and Rory could not make it in time. They decided to make only one more aid station on the last 30 miles (48 km). There where wraps, sandwiches, blackberries, chocolate bars, Haribo, milkshakes, soda and water provided.

There was not a lot at the finish in Bora. But there was a little shop close to our sleeping area. We also did not have showers today. Instead we had a very delicious dinner. Just past 8pm the last finished. On the next day there were three starting groups. One at 6am, one at 8am and a third at 9am. In the second and third group only two runners will start.

Results:

Fotos of the day: