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The Offa's Dyke National Trail is 177 miles (288km) long, running from Sedbury Cliffs to Prestatyn. It passes through the Wye Valley, Black Mountains, along Offa's Dyke itself from Kington to Knighton and Long Mountain, Llanmynech Rocks, Eglwyseg Mountain and the Clwydian Hills. The terrain varies from low-level field paths to high-level exposed hills. The route swicthes continually between England and Wales, has over 700 stiles to cross and can be regarding as a coast to coast trail. course profile

The Challenge...

More of an Experiment than a Challenge. On the morning of 1st or 8th September I will leave Sedbury Cliffs and try to complete the Offa's Dyke Trail in as little time as possible. I have set myself a rough target of sub48 hours. This will involve a run/walk strategy, a number of short stops - stock up on food and nutrition, change clothing, massage (Hanneke) - and potantially a 3 hour sleep in a bivvy bag.

I am an elite long-distance triathlete with several years experience of road racing, but very limited experience of off-road and ultra-distance running. I have experienced high levels of glycogen depletion and muscle fatigue/soreness in double ironmans and multi-day camping hikes, but this will be the toughest challenge to date.

Support:
34M/Pandy - Hanneke
52M/Hay - Vic
141M/Worlds End and 164M/Rhuallt - Dan
157M/Bwlch Penbarras - Lynne, Sue

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