Ultra Tour Du Mont Blanc 2009 - the short version

What a gruelling adventure and magnificent experience. The UTMB 2009, a superbly organised and relentless ultra race over 103 miles of trails which result in more ascent and descent than climbing Everest from sea level, is now over. I came in position 609 with a time of 40:11:13, running over the line, Saltire flag raised high with Tommy Hepburn. A great feeling of achievement.

I'll blog a full report with photos soon but in the meantime the interested can see some video clips of the race to get a sense of the terrain from here - http://www.chamonix-meteo.com/ .

Thanks to all the Family members (both physical and WHWR) who provided messages of support before, during and after the race. Knowing I had some folk watching out for me as I progressed round really helped motivate.

And thanks to all the Family members in Chamonix, both those who ran the race with me (Drew, George R and Tommy), who ran the race separately (Michael, Davie B, Andy C, Jon, Iain R, George C, Jens), who helped make sure we were safely fed and watered before we headed into our second night beyond Champex (Sharon and Emma) and those who ran a different race and helped cheer us in so brilliantly (Richie, John M and Sarah R).

I had such a great week getting some final training in the mountains, getting used to altitude, getting to know you all and having a laugh. Thanks all, I will never forget the experience.