The Midnight Mountain Marathon
The Midnight Mountain Marathon, which took place on 27th June, is no ordinary marathon. Set in the Brecon Beacons, the course takes you through forests, over streams, past waterfalls and up mountains. The Welsh Guards are more familiar than many would choose to be with the demands of exercises in Beacons and have none-too-fond memories of the highest peak in the area, Pen y Fan, which is the most demanding part of the Marathon, rising as it does to 886m over rough terrain.
The crucial difference between this and other marathons is that the competitors start at 1730h and have to finish before the cut off at midnight. Not for nothing have the organising company called themselves ‘Brutal Events’.
WG 100 fielded a team of four to take on this challenge and all managed to complete the course within the allotted time. LCpl Goodwin Lipita and Gdsm Rhys Theophilus ran as a pair and completed the race in 5h16m48s. Gdsm Dylan Hawkridge ran solo and achieved a time of 5h31m.39s.
A new course record was set this year by Thomas Payn and is a superhuman 3:17:26.
A previous competitor commented that it was “a superbly organised event with a small intimate and friendly atmosphere. A tough but achievable challenge which makes the event suitable for experienced off-road runners and beginners alike. A fabulous location to run”. Our boys certainly seem to have taken it in their stride…..
