Karl battled the elements to complete the tough ‘Ring of Fire’ race.

*Pictured above - Karl Morris on his ultra race along the Coastal Path.

Karl battled the elements to complete the tough ‘Ring of Fire’ race...and well done to Martin Joy in his ultra race.

Report by Don Hale.

https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com

 

North Wales Road Runner Karl Morris battled against heavy rain, gales, and a severe lack of sleep, to record a tremendous performance in the tough ultra ‘Ring of Fire’ race around the Anglesey Coastal Path last weekend.

This is one of the most gruelling challenges in the country, and for this experienced endurance athlete, his demanding journey began at Holyhead’s Breakwater Park, and followed a continuous loop covering some 131 miles, and just over 11k elevation along the island’s picturesque coastal pathway.

Karl’s determination to complete the course was evident by his overall race stats, with his family and friends able to watch and admire his progress online. He eventually finished well in 47th place out of 112 starters – and in an incredible time of 48 hours and 38 minutes - with 66 other competitors failing to finish!

Following his ordeal Karl confirmed: “It all went well, but the weather on Saturday afternoon and at night-time was very challenging with heavy rain and gales. On the second night I had to battle hallucinations and falling asleep whilst running, which wasn’t pleasant.

“Overall though a very good race. I probably could have run it faster in hindsight, but my only goal was to complete the race, so time wasn’t important to me. The Race was won by Caspian James in a record time of 25 hours, and Sonia Williams from Cybi Striders was the first lady in 32 hours.”

*Martin Joy (*pictured above) completed 47 miles over the Coastal Trail.

*And well done too to Martin Joy, who attends Dalzell Runners, and he also took part in the associated Fire Lighter race over a new course of 47-miles. He completed his run in 10 hrs 44 mins and 55 seconds, he came in 14th overall and was 4th in his age cat.

Martin said he was hoping to finish in 12 hours, but smashed that plan, and finished 1 hr 15 mins better than expected. His trainer, Tony Price Jones said: “Martin’s training went really well until the last four weeks, when he picked up a niggle in his knee, but that didn't hold him back. Such determination, and he looked so good, and felt comfortable all the way around.”