2012 Trail Running calendar

As promised, a race calendar for 2012. For obvious reasons associated with running, they're not set in stone but I'm hoping I can hit all the races below. I'll probably throw additional races in here or there depending on fitness, time constraints etc but they will be mostly last minute decisions.

Looking at the race schedule it may appear quite ambitious, but It'll be one hell of a ride and I do like a good challenge. So here's to 2012...hell yeah!

MCN Welsh One Day Series - Round 3 The Wye One Way 50, Wales

March 10th 2012 (50 miles)

I've already ran the first 2 rounds so I might as well run the 3rd.

The Wye One Way 50 takes in some of the most spectacular scenery in Mid Wales. Starting not far from the source of the Wye, the majority of the route follows the Wye valley itself though there is a cheeky little excursion into Elan Valley via the mountains and around the spectacular dams before rejoining the Wye Valley at Llanwrthwl.

DNS - Decided not to run this race. Although my shin is getting back on track, it's not 100%. I think I could still run it fast, but I'm not willing to take the risk of agitating it. I'm also really enjoying just running out of pure enjoyment so I will continue taking it easy and concentrate on getting ready for the Highland Fling.

Highland Fling – Milngavie, Scotland

April 28th 2012 (53 miles)

After last years poor performance I want to go back & do myself justice. Plus, with the new event sponsor Hoka coming on board there's a couple of pretty strong European runners coming over.

Highland Fling Ultra is a trail race over the southern 53 miles of the famous West Highland Way Path., starting in Milngavie (close to Glasgow) and finishing in the scenic village of Tyndrum.  The event continues to grow and is expected to be the most popular UK Ultramarathon in 2012 and the route is almost entirely on trails and thus traffic-free. The varied terrain and stunning scenery makes this a truly enjoyable experience, with runners returning year after year to participate.

Malvern Hills Ultra – Worcester, UK

May 5^th 2012 (53/83 miles)

It's on my doorstep and regular training ground so I should do it really, plus it's an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Malvern Hills Ultra is a test of endurance with some navigational skill. Entrants can choose between the 53 mile option and the 83 mile option.  Both races start at Grade 1 listed Holt Castle, heading through Top Barn Farm following the Severn Way signs towards Worcester. The Severn Way takes you through Grimley and onto a lovely meandering path along the River Severn. Through Worcester and into Upton, the route moves across to the foot of the Malvern Hills. At this point competitors will have already done a marathon distance and will be faced with the daunting yet beautifully spectacular scenery of the. Conquering the Worcestershire Beacon the route touches the River Teme before heading directly home to Holt. The 83 mile route extends south beyond Tewkesbury on the Severn Way and then connects to the Three Choirs Way heading north towards the Worcestershire Way and coming in north towards Bewdley on the Worcestershire Way and returns south to Holt Castle on the Severn Way.

Hardmoors 110 – Helmsley, North Yorkshire, UK

June 1st-3rd 2012 (110 miles 19,685ft/6,000 metres of accumulated elevation gain)

Part of the country I've not run before and the name is pretty cool.

The Hardmoors 110 Ultamarathon follows the dramatic Cleveland Way National Trail encircling the North Yorkshire Moors and the Cleveland Heritage coastline. Starting from Helmsley, it finishes at Filey after 110 miles and 6,000 metres of accumulated elevation gain.

West Highland Way Race – Milngavie, Scotland

June 23^rd 2012 (95 miles 14,760ft ascent/4,494 metres of ascent)

A classic ultra that must be run.

Essentially the object of the West Highland Way Race is simple.

You start at Milngavie Railway Station (7miles north of Glasgow) at 1am on Saturday 23rd June 2012 & run/jog/walk to Fort William Leisure Centre by noon on the Sunday 24th June 2012, 35 hours to cover 95 miles including 14,760ft of ascent.

Lakeland 100 Ultra Tour Lake District – Consiton, Cumbria, UK

July 27^th 2012 (104 miles 20,669ft/6,300 metres of ascent)

Don't think I need to give my reasons for this one. It's gonna be a hot race this year, with the top 10 coming in under 24hrs. Bring it on.

The Lakeland 100 'Ultra Tour of the Lake District' is the most spectacular long distance trail race which has ever taken place within the UK. The circular route encompasses the whole of the lakeland fells, includes in the region of 6300m of ascent and consists almost entirely of public bridleways and footpaths. The route starts in Coniston and heads south before completing a clockwise loop which takes in the Dunnerdale fells, Eskdale, Wasdale and Buttermere before arriving in Keswick. From here the route heads to Matterdale and continues over to Haweswater before returning via Kentmere, Ambleside and Elterwater to the finish at Coniston.

Magredi Mountain Trail – Dolomiti Mountains and Magredi land, Italy

October 12^th 2012 (100 mile 22,966ft/7,000 metres of ascent)

A beautiful part of the world, great coffee and food and I like the Italian mentality. Tough buggers!

Running on trails through the wild and Magredi Friuli Dolomites, unforgettable experiences in the nature of the Friuli Venezia Giulia!