UPDATE 

The race I’ve always wanted to do. The toughest time I’ve spent on my feet. The most incredible views and people. We started at 4am from our beautiful camp. The first 10 miles were runable even though it was up to Chakrachay at 3,650m and down again (ascent in the dark) to Wayllabamba at 2,940m then it was the 4 mile hard slog up to Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,210m (see video ) my heart was beating so hard in the altitude. The descents and rises to Winay Wayna at 2,680m after that were technical after the rain that then came, thankfully I had poles but my rubbish downhill feet were protesting. I was also joined by Gerald from our group who had caught me up and then ran with me after the rain thankfully as I think it would have been pretty scary alone. Some of the cliff drop offs were really something . We made the time cut off easily to allow us to continue up to the Sun Gate and finally finish at the tear inducing MachuPiccu at 2,470m. 11.45 hours on my feet, the longest for any race and my personal worst for a marathon. But what a marathon !!!! I finished 1st female in our ‘race’ and 7th joint with Gerald overall but it wasn’t about racing it was about finishing and experiencing a trail that most people take 3-4days to hike, in one run. Bucket list . All amazing credit to the porters that run up and down this trail with huge packs on their back like it’s a running track. And all the hikers along the trail that cheered us on.

Tupananchiskama (until next time) Peru, you have been incredible. What an adventure. A stunning country beautified with its Inca tradition and the gigantic magical Andes. 38% of the country live in poverty even though the country is rich in resources due to corrupt governments and terrorism, many people live in a way we could never imagine, but we couldn’t have been made more welcome .

I met an amazing group of inspiring supportive and brave friends who have run all over the world (I now have a list of at least 50 races I need to do ) and they are all true heroes for finishing such a tough event, and it really was tough - but sensational too. I was both petrified and yet determined like never before, I pushed myself to places I’ve never experienced.

Wasn’t quite sure if I was going to be fit enough to achieve my dream of getting to the finish line at MachPicchu in May when I sliced my knee open but I made it and it was emotional. Thanks to my darling Ben for putting up with me stressing and supporting me over those months and thanks to Shiv, Lisa, Karen, my little bro and everyone else who joined me running and walking. Thank you to everyone who sponsored me, I really appreciate it. (Apparently I’m supposed to have a rest now ).

Truly the Marathon of a lifetime

In September I'm attempting to complete the Inca Trail 26.2 mile run ending at Machu Picchu.  It's been on my bucket list for years and September 2022 is the last time Devy will organise the classic and original tour to do it. 

Billed as the world's hardest marathon the Inca Trail Marathon to Machu Picchu follows the original pilgrimage trail that leads into the religious capital of the Inca Empire, the legendary “Lost city of the Incas” - Machu Picchu! The run is strenuous over mountain terrain at altitudes ranging from 8,000’ to 13,779’.  

The cumulative elevation gain is conservatively calculated
to be over 10,400', and the elevation loss over 11,000'. The elevation
gain/loss is like running up and down the stairs of the Empire State Building 10 times – at an altitude as high as 13,800 feet!

I'm raising money for Meningitis Now in memory of Alexis Rose the daughter of Alan Glynn, an amazing fundraiser and awareness campaigner for the disease that stole my toes , but much more devastatingly took away his daughter.

https://whyirunthisbody.wordpress.com/2015/03/26/my-story/

Training hasn't really gone to plan after I broke my non-toe late last last year, then got Covid, then lacerated my knee to the knee cap in May - but I've walked the West Highland Way with stitches and run and walked some beautiful trail marathons since then.  Can't really get the altitude training here in the UK, I estimate the time on feet to be a good 14-15 hours for a journey that most people take 3 days to cover - but I'l give it my best shot as always. 

Any donations to this great cause  - however big or small, appreciated as always. 

Let's do it!