RACE REPORT
2022 Beast of the Blacks 20 & 40 miles
How excited were we to finally be holding this event in the correct month, and how blessed were we to have such wonderful Spring weather! We had snow a few days after.
Runners started to arrive full of excitement and some with a few nerves for Friday pre reg & kit check. Giving them a little extra bed time on race day seems to go down well. Our team, led by the famous kilt-wearing Stu Obree (@stu_likes_to_run), did their best to help, advise and support each runner – some Scottish and Welsh banter always goes down well. 😊
Saturday started in brilliant sunshine – not the usual Welsh weather for once. We revelled in the fact that the views would be amazing, that the conditions would be near perfect.
Moon & Back (https://www.facebook.com/moonandbackcoffee/) Emma, our coffee lady, served tasty coffee and cakes, and Tom - representing his amazing brand Joov – was on hand with free samples of his (https://joovproducts.com/products/joov-hydrate-tabs). Each runner received a tube of his electrolyte tabs with their medal. We are very excited to have him join the team at all our future events.
With registration done, it was time for the 40-mile runners to head up the hill – we love watching them try to run the first few hills 😊. Stu in his wisdom always promises a beer to anyone who makes it to the top without stopping! We think this time with Damian Hall taking the lead, he may have to open up those pockets.
An impressive field of runners - supported by 3 experienced back runners - set off. After the first hill we had our first drop-out. An ambitious young man, fund raising for the homeless, instantly realised the feat ahead. With support from Danny, he headed back down to go back out with the 20-mile field. He made it to the end and was thrilled with his medal. What determination and strength. A huge high five. He wouldn’t be the first or the last runner to underestimate our mountains.
Next to go was the larger field of 20 milers. Smiles, nerves, and excitement, and with dogs barking eager to get going, they too hit that first hill with ambition, but it fought back immediately! Some of our seasoned runners know not to try running it but still some do. Respect, as it is a beast – the first of many to come. Once again 3 back runners were supporting the runners to ensure that everyone finished safely.
Preparation for the return of the runners and for the 40 turnaround started immediately. As expected, and at the predicted time – Damian Hall (@ultra_damo) came into view, running at us to complete his first lap in just over 3hrs! In and out like lightning!
Hearing later reports from the 20 field about seeing this legend greeting them on his reverse loop, was incredible. What an inspiration. Many other runners from the 40 passed the 20, and great admiration and encouragement were shown to one another by both distances.
We were pleasantly surprised at this event how many newbie runners, both to the trails and ultras, were having a go. All succeeded. Some said never again, but as we all know, it always happens again! 😊. They usually get the bug.
At HQ the atmosphere was electric. We had a 40 miler couple who reduced some of us to tears at the finish. The guy had to drop out leaving his wife to finish the second 20 alone. He met her at the CPs and supported her with their dog. She came in and received the 1st Female Vet award which made her cry again!
We saw our favourite little dog Nixon stroll in fresh as a daisy with Mark Lewis (@marklewispics) by his side – Nixon the legend winning dog again!
Check him out on our website (https://www.limitlesstrails.co.uk/canicross).
And Mark just posted this great video of his prep for the Beast of the Blacks, lots of useful info in here! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=1FDha3oKx3E).
We were also lucky enough to have another inspirational runner take part. Flora, who ran the 20 field, actually took a VLOG of the whole course. This amazing young lady came 3rd and talked all the way around – it’s a brilliant watch.
You can find it on her YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttqw7Yjb4bw), and soon on our website.
Thank you, Flora Beverley (@foodfitnessflora).
Final story of many – on Friday night a guy (Paul) rocked up for reg – a 40-mile entrant (his first ultra), and as he drove through the gate, his van broke down! Our guys helped push him into the field. He ran the next day and really enjoyed the event. His adventure lasted a little longer than anticipated, finally making it home to the north of England on Monday. And we gave him a race voucher for helping us take down the equipment at HQ whilst waiting for the recovery vehicle. Big thanks Paul!
We handed out some special inspirational awards. These are our favourite awards. The runners blew us away with their perseverance and determination.
The lucky winner of our parking competition was Sam Williams, winning an £80 code. Congratulations Sam. Remember to keep those tickets guys.
The results speak for themselves – by the lead runners, and all the participants – what a fantastic effort considering the elevation, the balmy weather conditions, and distances covered.
These events would not be possible without a dedicated team of individuals to help us. Without these stars we could not offer the support and help that each runner deserves.
We can’t thank them enough; emails and messages from the runners sum this up. What a gang - from checkpoint staff to back runners; photographers to medics; timing guys to a mad Scotsman wearing a tartan skirt; we thank them all. We have to mention Steve, the bell-ringing Welshman, who rang them so much that he got blisters …but, commitment to the cause, still refused to hand the bell over! 😊
We would also like to thank you all for respecting our countryside – no litter was found on the route!
AMAZING!
Here are the top 3 winners and times – the full results and photos are all on the website for you to enjoy.
40 miles
Male
Damian Hall 6.44.52
Richard Charles 7.38.57
Chris Maxwell 7.54.17
Female
Katherine Brook 9.11.32
Eszter Adam 10.11.38
Jennifer Maher 10.14.34
20 miles
Male
Tom Rankin 3.03.41
Sam Ellis 3.09.46
Jonathan Pontin 3.16.51
Female
Sophie Biggs 3.28.31
Philomel Bennet 3.35.12
Flora Beverley 3.36.47
We would like to thank each and every one of you for helping to make this event a huge success.
The date for next year’s Beast of the Blacks will be on the website soon.
We really hope to meet you again at our future events
Elle, Stu and the team at LT