The Stort 30 is a very pretty out and back 30 miles (15 miles each way) along the Stort Navigation in Hertfordshire.
This run is usually in the calendar towards the end of October which means it can be quite cool at the start of the race.
This is a perfect beginners first ultra as it is mostly flat and 30 miles is very doable if you are used to running 26.2 miles.
Set in the heart of Bishops Stortford in Essex this race is easy to get to, just off the M11, with ample parking just 10mins walk from the start line.
Organised by Challenge Running this event is very well organised by Lyndsey (Race Director), the start line is located at Hockerill Sports and Social Club and offers changing facilities, food and drink.
The race route takes you from the sports club and out on to the road for a 10 minute run until you reach the canal, from there is it a nice run along the tow path for 12-13 miles to the turnaround point where there is an aid station that is stocked with sweet treats, coke, juice and water. You then follow the route back to the sports club.
The two patch can get muddy dependant on the weather but the route has the potential to be a very fast course in dry weather and great for a PB.
There are no UTMB points on offer for this race, however the race is partnered with the UKA and the TRA.
There are trophies for the first 3 placed runners and for the rest of us there are medals and tech t-shirts.
Early bird entrance is £35 and £40-45 there after.
This was my first ultra run and I really enjoyed it, it is a fantastic taster of the community that is ultra running!
