It’s time to Race to the Stones Scott!  Yes, our tame ultra-marathon runner defends his title and the course record at the Race to the stones.

Some say he’s indestructible.

The Fabric Map Flyer!

Some say he defies both physics and logic.

Scott takes Gold at the Maverick 15 mile race

Some even say he’s running with a cracked rib and a case of Delhi Belly.  But this is what the man himself, our own Scott Fobes, offers as advice to anyone else foolhardy enough to take him on on the 100km Challenge on the Ridgeway.

“Looks like a hot day so you’ll need to plan your kit and hydration well” he advises.

But what of his own chances? “Personally I’m not sure what to expect what with a broken rib and just getting over a nasty stomach bug from India.”  This is actually no change for Scott.  Remember his severed ear from the Thames Trot? And given recent history he is used to a few knocks!

But given all that experience he still goes the distance.  So what’s the key?  Though recent set backs have reduced his training miles he’s got a trick up his sleeve.  “…with some clever pacing and strategy I should be ok.” he tells me.

And what does he think of the other guys and the race itself? Who’s going to have to learn to eat Scott’s dust? “There are some really big names coming this year including guys from Australia and USA etc. this race has got big and quickly.”  That’s who!

It’s great that such a huge challenge can get so big year on year.  SplashMaps are also celebrating the amazing route by producing maps of the entire distance together with their partners at Harvey Maps.  Yep, that’s right, 100km of trail on a map you can wrap around your neck!  If you can stop Scott for a second, ask him all about them.

Ridgeway title and detail

So best of luck as you Race to the Stones Scott!  And my hugest respect to the brave men and women who’ll pace this ancient trail this year.  have a great Ultra!