GB Ultras’ Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra - 10 October 2026 Marathon #150

GB Ultras’ Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra - 10 October 2026 Marathon #150 This is a race that I have had my eye on for a few years, it sells out quickly, but last year I entered as soon as it opened and got a place. On paper this race is very doable, 57 miles on tow paths along canals with hardly any elevation at all. Easy right? I have had trouble getting the right trainers since the Not the Northern Traverse in March where I damaged my arch in my left foot. The latest pair were too small; I am sure trainer makers keep shrinking their shoes. I ruined my feet at Great North run a month ago. I bought even bigger shoes and got them run in just in time. I had a migraine on Friday for the journey to Glasgow, not the best preparation. Registration was at the Riverside Museum on Friday afternoon, I registered and wandered around the building to look at the tall ship Glenlee, it was impressive, glowing in the evening sun. There was a stunning rainbow brightening the darkening skies. After a tea of fish and chips, I readied my kit and got an early night, setting the alarm for 4 am. Fortunately, when the alarm went off, my migraine had gone, but I felt groggy. I had breakfast of porridge and a banana and we set off for the carpark that Billy had found and paid for on a parking app. When we got there, there was no way into the carpark from where we were without a long drive and we did not have time for that, so we found an on-street spot. We happened to be opposite the Riverside museum and close to the bridge , so the moment’s panic was calmed again. We crossed the bridge and I went to collect my tracker. It was chilly, but dry, the forecast had been for 90% rain till at least 10 am, but it was ok so far. One last visit to the loo and it was time to get into the start area, I said goodbye to Billy. I would see him at The Falkirk heel, nearly a marathon into the race. It was dark and runners were instructed to put our head torches on. Then there was a count down and we were off, I was a bit unnerved about running in such close quarters to others in the dark, we ran around the outside of the museum and then away, through streets and crossing roads, I kept in the group even though I was worried about tripping. The paths were narrow, some with tree roots snaking under the tarmac. There were a few minor inclines which I walked as everyone around me was walking so I couldn’t run them. Checkpoint 1 was 5.4 miles in. The sky was lightning and soon after I could put my head torch away. The canal was to my right and the path was tarmac; it was nice to take in the view. It was breezy but I was sweating, working hard. I was glad that I had not put my jacket on and been a bit chilled at the start. The runners had spread out now, I could see where my feet were going and relax a bit, people passed and I passed others, sometimes the people who had just passed me. We all had our own plans. Many were “jeffing” with varying walk/run ratios. My plan was to run to the Falkirk Wheel and then see what happened. I didn’t make it that first 25 miles, running, my left hip/glute was not happy with the repetativeness of terrain, mainly tarmac, no hills, occasionally some cobbles. There were always runners around I had a couple of little chats but not many, it seemed like most people had headphones and were in there own worlds. My stomach started to play up and I had to force myself to keep up my nutrition. The checkpoints were well stocked with sweet and savoury treats and a variety of drinks. I had salted potatoes, cheese and ginger biscuits at each checkpoint. I was so happy to see the Falkirk Wheel (https://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/visit/canals/visit-the-forth-clyde-canal/attractions/the-falkirk-wheel) This was the only hill on the course, 35 metres. Billy and his brother, sister and sister-in-law were there to meet me, a nice surprise. I went to the loo and walked up to the checkpoint. More potatoes, cheese and ginger biscuits, also a packet of crisps for late, for the longest section 13 miles between checkpoints.I waved goodbye to my family and set off through the tunnels to Polmont. There were less runners around now, and we were all run/walking. The canal paths were becoming same old, same old. Broken up with occasional wildlife, a robin on the path, a heron on the bank, swans serenely gliding along, kids fishing, the occasional cyclist and a couple of barges. The sun was sinking and I pushed hard to get finished before needing my head torch again. Onwards to Linlithgow and then the longest section, I added cola to my usual salty potatoes, cheese and ginger buscuits and made sure both my bottles were full, it was 13 miles to the next checkpoint. I was glad to get to this point because I could tick off the mileage and it felt like I was still making good progress, although slower than I had originally hoped. At one point a group of people were offering ice lollies and water top ups. I was ok for water but gratefully accepted a mini magnum ice lolly. I thanked them very much and strode onwards enjoying my unexpected treat. Soon I was back to run walking, ticking the miles down in my head, looking forwards to the 47 mile point and the single figure count down. Another unexpected aid station broke up the long section, A local running club had a selection of snacks and the added surprise of an old friend, Claire, manning it. I took some fruit and got going again. I was soon counting down the last few miles, I went into the final checkpoint just before 51 miles, went to the loo, and then restocked with my usual snacks and got on with the final 6 and a bit miles. The sun was sinking, and the canal was nearly over, one last aqueduct and a sharp left hand turn took me down some steps, real quad burners after so long of running on the flat. Now I was following the Water of Leith, the final couple of miles, the path was more trailly than tarmac now, the light was fading and under tree cover I walked to avoid tripping but I was determined not to put my head torch on. I eventually emerged onto a street, there was supporter noise and a marshal. Nearly there he said. There was Billy, I could see the finish line to my right, but a marshal sent me around the track of Slaughton Sports Complex, Edinburgh. Just short of 400m of what felt so odd on bouncy track after 57 miles of tarmac to go. Finally, after a very long day, 12 hours, 48 minutes and 7 seconds after crossing the line in Glasgow, I crossed the Line in Edinburgh to receive a silver medal. (First 200 finishers get gold medals, next 200, silver and bronze for the rest) Stopping I realised how chilly it was, I had been warm all day, even when it. Had rained because I was working hard, but now I had stopped and was so cold aaand my feet were killing me, sooo sore. I wanted to rip off my trainers but thought my feet would swell and I would not be able to get them back on. I was glad to sit in the warm car for the journey back to Falkirk. Back at the hotel, I soaked my aches and pains wad was happy to have no blisters or chafing, just a sore stomach and hip/glute. Overall results were 8/17 F55 (my last race in that age category. 67/130 female 293/470 overall There were 50 non finishers. Overall I am happy with my performance, especially in managing my nutrition and hydration with a sore, acidly stomach.