In a nutshell 

 

An adventurous 50 with a lot of elevation and absolutely stunning scenery pretty much from start to finish. Partly out and back but with an additional loop that is only done in one direction. Although not a traditionally ‘fast’ course there’s usually a good race at the sharp end of the field if that’s your thing. Ideal for if you’re looking for a real experience, awe inspiring scenery and a challenging ultra.

COURSE RECORDS

Male: JOSH LEE – 7:58:42 (2023)
Female: RACHEL FAWCETT – 9:08:31 (2022)

 

Westcountry Ultra Hilly 50 is often said by people who’ve run them all to have the most spectacular scenery of any Albion race. It’s hard to argue with this; the route includes lots of lush ancient woodland, wild and rugged coastline, the UK’s smallest parish church, picture postcard villages, sweeping moorland straight out of a classic novel…. in short, it is an absolutely stunning route that nobody who loves a scenic trail ultra should miss out on.

You will start from West Somerset College in Minehead and there are a couple of miles of flat tarmac to ease you in – during this section of the run you will cross the line of the West Somerset Steam Railway and turn left at the famous Butlins Holiday Camp to run alongside the seafront. Past the harbour you will begin the ascent of North Hill, which is where Minehead got its name – the Welsh for mountain was Mynydd, which gave the town its name because of the ‘mountain’ that towers over the town. At the summit of North Hill you will head across the tops and then down the steep and rocky Bossington Hill (bear in mind you will have to climb back up here much later on!) and through the woods to the first aid station.

From Bossington itself it’s a flat run across Porlock marshes and to the next aid station at Porlock Weir before the longest section of the race begins. You will first ascend through pretty ancient woodland until finally emerging to the tiny hamlet of Culbone, which is nestled in the forest and includes the UK’s smallest parish church. From here you climb higher still, then the route winds along a narrow lane down to Worthy Wood. When you reach the hairpin bend at the other side of the forest you will head down to the left – be sure to look out through the gaps in the trees as the views are absolutely breath-taking. One of the steepest climbs of the race is next (listen for the trilling call of Wood Warblers in the forest here), then you descend to the outskirts of Porlock (look out for early purple orchids on this bit!)

From Porlock it’s around quiet lanes and forest paths to the picture postcard village of Horner. The tea rooms are likely to be open in the afternoon if you require any additional refreshments! Next you head up through the woods to emerge at Webber’s Post, where you can refuel before a long descent and then a huge climb up and over Somerset’s highest ‘mountain.’ You will follow the road back to Webber’s Post once you have descended again and then will tackle the whole route up to there in reverse, which means all of those spectacular views again from a different perspective. If you are among the first finishers you are likely to finish in daylight, but most of you could finish after dark. On a clear night you will be treated to an absolute blanket of stars! Either way you will bump into a few 100 mile runners starting the second half of their journey as you get closer to the end of yours. Plenty of encouragement always goes both ways.

 

 

 

CUT-OFF TIME

 

16 Hours

 

NUMBER OF AID STATIONS 

 

6 – Please note that this is a cupless race so you will need a bottle or two for water and a cup for coke if you want it (All aid stations have water, coke, squash, sandwiches, crisps, fruit, nuts, sweets and a range of other sweet & savoury snacks.)

COURSE MARKINGS

 

There will be markings (red & white tape and a few arrow signs – black arrows on a yellow background) on the sections where it is needed. There is good signage on the South-West Coast Path between Minehead and Culbone Church so there is little marking here, but from there to Horner village is marked, as well as a little bit to get you on the right track beyond here. There is no marking up and over Dunkery Beacon or up to Webber’s Post through the woods as this has been agreed in previous years with the local rangers. Up to Webber’s Post has good signage, and the route over Dunkery Beacon is difficult to go far wrong on but it’s best to use the excellent gpx file that will be sent out with the race info. If you would like a copy of this to recce the route before the race please email albionrunning@hotmail.com

MEDICAL SUPPORT

 

Professional medics will cover this race – details of who to contact if you require medical support during the race etc. will be provided in the race info, which is sent out a few weeks before the event. As always, if you have a medical emergency and are not in the immediate vicinity of the medics the best thing to do is to call 999.
 

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START LOCATION

 

West Somerset College, Bircham Road, Minehead, TA24 6AY. Registration will take place in the sports hall down to the right of the main buildings.

 

FINISH LOCATION

 

West Somerset College, Bircham Road, Minehead, TA24 6AY.
 

 

PACERS

 

Pacers are not allowed but if you are nervous about running alone at night you are welcome to have someone accompany you for reassurance.

 

CREW

 

You are allowed to have a support crew, who can meet you along the way and are allowed to hand you food/drinks/supplies etc. You are allowed to sit in their vehicle but not while it is moving for obvious reasons. Crews must show respect to local residents in terms of parking and show consideration to anyone else who is out for the day. There will be suggested meeting points for crew sent out with the race info based on up-to-date local information at the time.

SUPPORTERS

 

You are allowed to have supporters come out to cheer you on – as with crews it is crucial that they show respect to local residents in terms of parking and show consideration to anyone else who is out for the day – if this does not happen it can have serious implications for the future of the event.
 

 

 

DROP BAGS

 

If you for any reason need to leave a bag at the finish you can drop it off at registration. There will be tags for these at the start on which you should write your race number and HILLY 50.

KIT

 

There is no mandatory kit for this race but these are suggested items that you should consider carrying: -
* Waterproof jacket that you have used in rainy conditions and know will do the job

* Hat and Gloves in case of unseasonably cold weather (possible in Somerset!)

* An additional base layer (this can be lightweight, and it's advisable if it is, as long as it's an additional layer)

* Headtorch with spare batteries in case of late finish

* High viz clothing for night

* Whistle

* Compass

* Mobile phone that is fully charged at start – battery pack if you can get one
* Some Emergency food that you like/water, plus at least one 500ml water bottle to carry with you

* Foil survival blanket in case of emergencies

* Personal first aid kit with plasters, savlon etc.

AWARDS

 

There will be a trophy for the first male and first female finishers, and all finishers will receive a medal.

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