Endurancelife Coastal Trail Series – Northumberland

This was a truly amazing course and I ached more after this than any other ultra race to date due to the sand dunes and the overall nature of the course. I've ran a few ultras but the Northumberland course was my first on sand dunes / beeches and consequently offered a brand new exciting experience for me (and the use of my muscles under very different circumstances). It's great course event for training and toughening up different muscles in your legs. Even though after my EnduranceLife Ultra in Anglesey where I felt better prepared simply because Id experienced the way these races are organised, I cannot fault the pre-race information. Detailed documentation is given, the web site counts down to the event with any additional information you might need and you get an update a week before finalising the communication. Altogether you are kept very well informed and able to prepare for all eventualities. This is also continued during the mandatory race brief on the day. You can't fail to go too wrong in your preparations. They are good.

Guidance on mandatory kit was a bit sparse - I had to search for something that was a "wind-breaker" jacket as I did not know what would be acceptable. Wasn't checked in the end but I had something at least. Course was great - maybe mention to people that they may have to run through a stream into the sea!!Finishing inside Bamburgh Castle was an epic finish but, it was a shame that spectators were sparse there as they had to pay castle entry. Helpful hints: Don't start too fast!! The beaches are draining so you need to save energy for those sections!

The covering instructions gave me all the details I needed

A general view of the conditions under foot sent the day before would have been useful, as the weather made it uncertain as to what the inland section would be like.

Absolutely awesome, second time doing it. Was extremely happy with the marshalls, they were spaced at the right distance. The briefing was to the point and as always the buses were well organised. A few portaloos for spectators at the end would be good though.

Awesome. Surprising flat trail most of the way.Ultra loop had quite a lot of road sections which were less fun

Bought new jacket and hydration pack as was stated as mandatory but never checked and loads without - didnt feel like needed it. Everything else was brilliant and couldnt be faulted!

This is an incredible course, my favourite, with amazing castles, dunes, wide beaches and the constant presence of the sea. This course has every surface imaginable: fields, footpaths, trails, roads, soft sand, firm sand, rocks, seaweed. Good trail shoes are therefore essential. Be prepared to plodge through the freezing cold water of Annstead Burn on the beach before Sea Houses and remember to keep something in the tank for that final climb up the dunes to the finish line at Bamburgh Castle. I didn't give it top marks for atmosphere only because you do not get the enthusiastic crowds of any of the city marathons or halfs, but the spirit among the runners is pretty good. Endurancelife generally attract a young field of runners so if you are a bit more mature you might even win your age category.

Cant think of anything that could be significantly improved. Maybe the event T-shirts could have specific information on them instead of just Endurancelife. Personally, Id like people to know how far Id ran.