On Sunday 12th March, Newport & District Running Club member Ellen Deighton took part in Ultra in the Black Country. This 32.5 mile race starts and ends in Baggeridge Country Park near Dudley, and takes in canal towpaths and old railway lines along the way.

The route also includes the Netherton Tunnel, a canal tunnel around 1.7 miles long where runners are required to wear a head torch. Runners can choose to take part as a relay team of 4, as a pair, or take on the challenge solo as Ellen did.

Runners were lucky with the weather on the day, alternating between cloud and sunshine and managing to avoid the rain. However, the wet weather in the week leading up to the race meant that the last 8 miles along an old railway line were particularly muddy.

Ellen Deighton at the Ultra in the Black Country

Ellen had run this race once before, and finished slightly quicker this year in a time of 7 hours 19 minutes and 26 seconds. It should also be noted that one week previously, Ellen had also completed the Millennium Way Ultra, making a total of almost 75 miles raced over two consecutive weekends!