Ambling in Amersham – Bob runs the 2025 XNRG Humanity Direct Amersham Ultra

Unwilling to take a chance on their continued cooperation, especially at the Amersham Ultra, I reached for my new box fresh Trailflys in… cream!

Spring is finally here

Spring was making itself known as I closed the front door & set off on my way to the start of the XNRG Humanity Direct fundraiser at Dr Challoner’s School. Parking was well coordinated as usual & I promptly made my way to race registration, where Shannon was holding my race number for me. On the way from the car park, XNRG’s videographer Callum was shooting footage, obviously drawn to my vibrant cream trainers!

On arrival at registration, I was advised by Ian that Victoria from University of Hertfordshire was doing a study into renal function in ultra runners.

Having always being interested in health & fitness, I was keen to take part. I had height, weight, pulse, blood pressure, urine & blood samples before the event. This delayed me slightly & I ended up leaving with the faster runners at 9.30. Waiting for the start, I had a strong message for the shiny new trainers…

You never know who you’re going to meet or how long you’re going to chat on an ultra. Being back of the pack, I was surprised to find myself falling in step with Joby Allen & Karl Barry. We were soon through old Amersham and out onto the trails, which were in great condition. As Karl drew further away, Joby & I fell into a comfortable pace. Joby explained that he was celebrating his 50^th year by running a 50k & 50 mile event to mark the occasion.

Little Missenden & Little Kingshill came & went before we dropped down to Abbey Park with views over Missenden Abbey. A pretty footbridge took us over the River Misbourne and onto checkpoint 1, situated by St Peter’s & St Paul’s Church.

The route wound through Hyde End and down onto the farm track appropriately named Herberts Hole. Usually, this involves some serious bog snorkelling but this year it was dry & easily navigable.

Onwards to Chesham & checkpoint 2, where a warm welcome awaited from the Marc & Nick, the Directors of the Humanity Direct charity.

From Chesham, we navigated our way along the Chess Valley Walk with beautiful views across the River Chess & beyond. Bridging the Chess at Church End, the crossing was bone dry and a far cry from the floods of 2024. Onwards to Chenies and Checkpoint 3. A quick stop &  water refil & we were off again towards Chalfont St Peter & Checkpoint 4.

The final turn to Amersham

This marked the final turn back towards Amersham, across some pretty & open countryside. My legs must have felt more tired than I did, as I had three major stumbles within 10 minutes but miraculously managed to stay upright on each occasion.

Entering Amersham, the final incline took us up Rectory Hill, turning left into Longfield Drive & into Hervines Park to the finish at Dr Challoner’s School. I was greeted again by Ian who informed me I’d just missed out on first V60 place by 36 seconds to Peter Clist! Well done Peter!

After a tea or two and a rest, I had another round with Victoria to have the post-run renal function tests repeated. Although it’s too early for the results, I was informed I’d lost 2cm in height during the event!

Humanity Direct were selling fabulous mugs & I just had to have one as a souvenir.

I had a chat with the videographer Callum, who filmed me explaining why I was undertaking the challenge of a lifetime by running the length of Britain in aid of Humanity Direct.

My Trailflys had performed brilliantly, albeit now not looking as pristine as they had a few hours prior.

It was finally time to bid Jobey, Karl & the Amersham Ultra goodbye.

I had completed my fourth Ultra this year & my training plan for June’s Rat Race Run Brittania (Land’s End to John O’Groats) was still on track.

My attention now is focussed towards my next ultra, the 54 mile Rose of the Shires on 5^th April.