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Monster Ultra - Monster Run Fest

29-Sep-2019 Ely Cathedral, East Anglia, UK (England)

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2 REVIEWS

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Trail Race Race Terrain

68KM / 42Miles
1 Day - 100 Runners

Alternate Distances: 42KM/26M 21KM/13M

DIFFICULTY Race Difficulty Intermediate

Entry From £35 GBP

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One day, three events…There is a distance to suit all at our very own Monster Run Fest!! You have the choice of a Half Marathon, Marathon or Ultra. What more could you ask for?!

Our Run Fest has grown over the past 4 years, only in terms of entrants, don’t worry we don’t add miles each year! The Ultra starts at 08:00 outside the awesome Ely Cathedral, the Marathon at 09:00 and the Half Marathon at 10:00. All distances follow the same route along river bank of the River Great Ouse, the Ultra goes all the way to Cambridge and back, the other two distance turn round much sooner!

This event is ideal for all; it’s low key and friendly, it’s flat, the route is well marked and there is support on course. With a few obstacles (steps, stiles, cattle grids) along the way, this is more of an adventure / fun (yes you read right) course than one to chase a PB on.

Perfect for all runners; it’s flat, the route is well marked and there is support on course. With a few obstacles (steps, stiles, cattle grids) along the way, this is more of an adventure / fun (yes you read right) course than one to chase a PB on.

To ensure the safety of all athletes we are required to place cut off times for the Ultra only. The cut off times are as specified below. Athletes falling outside of the times at the each stage will be requested to withdraw from the race for logistical and safety reasons. If you choose to continue your race number will be removed and you do so at your own risk...Half way – 13:00, Finish – 19:00. There are no cut off times for the Marathon or Half Marathon.

Goody bag including t-shirt and medal for all finishers.

Entries are strictly limited to 100 for the Ultra and Marathon, 200 for the Half Marathon, commit to training and sign up now...

Event Organiser
Liz Heselwood

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Beginner

Elevation: Very little change < 500 metres. Benign running terrain, not technical.

Suitable for: First ultra runners completing a marathon or doing regular long distance running in the last six months.

Intermediate

Elevation: Increase of up to 1000 metres

Suitable for: Runners who have completed at least one ultra distance race (or similar event) or are doing long distance running (>26 miles) regularly, with elevation shown.

Advanced

Elevation: Increase of up to 1500 metres

Suitable for: Runners who have completed several ultra distances or similar events, or are doing long distance running regularly, with elevation shown.

Expert

Elevation: Increase of up to 2000 metres with some challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity or heat) and or technical terrain

Suitable for: Experienced runners who have completed at least regular ultra distances in last 12 months, or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races may be subject to evidence of recent qualifying race participation and recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements.

Brutal

Elevation: Increase of up to 2000 metres with very challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity, heat or at high altitude) and or technical terrain.

Suitable for: Very experienced long distance ultra runners (min 3 years’ experience) or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races is often subject to evidence of recent qualifying race participation and recent medical examination certificate. Purchase of specialist kit is often recommended for these races.

Endurance - Multi-activity

Type: An ultra distance race including at least two of the following activities such as running, swimming, cycling, kayaking, skiing and climbing. It may also include different climatic conditions (eg ice, snow, humidity, cold water, mud or heat).

Suitable for: Experienced multi-skilled athletes who have trained for the different activities included in this event. Admission to these races may be subject to receipt of a recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements and any specialist equipment required such as a wetsuit, skis or a mountain bike.

Global - Virtual

Type: A virtual race which can be run at any time shown on the dates shown, on any type of terrain in any country.

Suitable for: For runners from beginners to experienced as you choose your own course and challenge based on the guidelines and options set by the virtual race organiser.

Review Monster Ultra - Monster Run Fest

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cenbons

12:44 02-10-18

This is a very enjoyable 41 mile race from Ely cathedral to Cambridge and back. Considering that the price of entry (£35 for the ultra) is comparable to many half marathons this is a great fun and good value race which is a good introduction to ultra running (it was my first - but won't be my last!).

There is plenty of free parking within easy walking distance of the start (my car park of choice was downhill from the cathedral which lead to a painful hobble back after the finish!), the registration was quick and easy and the race briefing was short but contained all of the required information. The aid stations were every 6-8 miles but were well stocked (water, squash, coke, gels, sweets) and staffed by friendly and encouraging volunteers.

The course is mostly along cycle route 11 and where it deviated from the cycle route plenty of signs were in place to help. The route is ~70% along quiet roads or gravel tracks so road shoes are definitely needed. Being in the fens the route is very flat (except for the last 200m up to the cathedral), but the benefit of this is that you can see Ely cathedral from about 7 miles to go.

A lovely medal (immediately commandeered by my kids), t-shirt and food (bananas, sweets etc.) and water were waiting for us at the end of the race, along with the ability to print out your result. For £35 it is hard to see a race of this length being better value. There are so many interesting races at this time of the year, but I will definitely be back if I can make time for it in the future.

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02:14 05-10-15

Really well organised race in a beautiful location. The Ultra course is an out and back flat run along National Cycle Route 11 from Ely to the outskirts of Cambridge so there's no way of getting lost. Terrain is nicely varied, a combination of trail, tarmac, tow paths and fields, without being in any way challenging - just a few natural obstacles to negotiate, styles, cattle grids, bridges. Its a great race for first timers to try out an ultra (this was my first race over the marathon distance). Course measured 41.2m on the Garmin in 2015.

Monster Ultra - Monster Run Fest