(Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Ultra Marathon)
Some of our intrepid She Runs Cardiff members kicked off September by taking on the incredible challenge of the Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Ultra Marathon.
Known as the RIDUM, it’s a 30 mile challenge around the hills of South East Wales and the Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Walk. The circular route takes in the ridge tops of the Caerphilly basin encircling the River Rhymney, including hills, lanes, trail, woodland and the famous muddy puddle, which really lives up to its name. The event has a total elevation of 4252 feet, including the 1,188 ft (362 metres) of Mynydd Machen.
The RIDUM is organised by Pegasus Running Events and is one in a series of six Welsh ultramarathons designed by record breaking endurance athlete Rhys Jenkins – with Rhys, his wife Cerys and their adorable toddler Nye congratulating all runners personally at the finish line.
Rhys – a good friend of She Runs Cardiff – has competed in some of the world’s most gruelling endurance events including the notorious Badwater 135 ultramarathon, renowned for being the hardest footrace on the planet. He wanted to bring a flavour of that adventure to his homeland of Wales and his events have certainly become popular with the running community, including She Runs Cardiff members.
Around 12 She Runs Cardiff members took part. For some it was their first ultra marathon, while others now have several under their belts. The day started cloudy and a little misty, but the skies soon cleared, giving participants the most beautiful views… although the heat and sun made for testing running conditions. Despite the challenges of the event, all our runners made it to the finish line.
We’re super proud of all of our runners, but particular mention must go to Lorna Wilson, who completed the Pegasus Slam – finishing all six Pegasus ultras, one a month for six months. You’ll be able to read about her experiences later in the week here on the She Runs Cardiff blog.
As well as our amazing runners taking part on the day, She Runs Cardiff members once again volunteered along the route. Our members took over check point two, around 14 miles into the event where runners pause to refuel on drinks and snacks (including an array of baked goodies from the kind-hearted She Runs members), as well as having access to their kit bags. It’s amazing what a change of socks or vest and a squirt of deodorant can do, not to mention a sweaty hug to send you on your way.
Read on to hear more about what our runners and volunteers had to say about the day
What our runners said
Lorna Wood – second ultra marathon after completing HOWUM earlier this year
“My training went brilliantly for the RIDUM and I felt SO prepared physically. I wasn’t expecting the terrain to take it out of me quite like it did though, but it was such a good teacher for needing to build my ankle strength. [Lorna struggled with a painful ankle in the latter stages of the event.]
“I followed the exact same training plan as I did for the HOWUM (this one from Women’s Running magazine) apart from this time I was better at properly following it. For example, when I did HOWUM I’d do four out of five planned runs a week, whereas this time I fitted in all five. It seemed so daunting as a plan but it was totally doable once I got started.
“My plan was good but I could have done with some ankle training strength as I didn’t do any strength training.
“The route reccees I did were fun but it made the bits I thought I knew last for ages because I thought I was almost at a new bit because I recognised something.
“I really enjoyed the route and I’m quite sure I’ll be doing the RIDUM again. I may have only done Pegasus ultras so far but I love them so much and I can’t wait for the VOGUM and PIGUM next year.
“This time last year I was only just entertaining the idea that maybe I could run an ultra, and now I’ve run two. With four planned next year. How times change!”
Riona Ballantyne – third ultra marathon
“What an amazing route with all sorts of terrain including Vicar of Dibley puddles and muddy bogs galore.
“I was more nervous in the run (ha!) up to this one than the previous two I have completed. There were a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, I wasn’t running ‘with’ anyone, I have an awful sense of direction and previously relied on others’ maps and ‘reassuring arrow’ reading skills. I even upgraded my watch just so I had a map on it. And secondly because the PIGUM just two months before, nearly broke me!
“I knew there would be plenty of purple love though and had some lovely chats during the run but I’d decided to start slowly and just go with how I felt.
“One of my running friends joined me at check point three for the last nine miles which is just such an amazing, lovely thing to do and I’m so glad she did. Her unwavering support watching me pull funny faces and groan my way through the last seven miles as I ‘needed the loo’ really helped – I’m sure she probably wished that she hadn’t!
“The checkpoints as always were fabulous as was the organisation, support and feel good vibe that Pegasus ultra running events give you.
“I would have never dreamed of running an ultra if I hadn’t volunteered at the VOGUM checkpoint in 2021. I had serious FOMO and plenty of encouragement so ran my first ultra in 2022 for my 50th year bucket list.
“That’s now three Pegasus ultras down and three to go but I may have to do the RIDUM again next year just because I want to enjoy the last seven miles without being in toilet pain!”
Sharon Eckley – seventh ultra marathon
“I wasn’t as well-trained as I should have been, but having completed other Pegasus events and knowing I could walk if needed, there was no real reason not to take part.
“Frankly, the cows were more terrifying that the hills and there were a LOT of hills and a LOT of cows (yes, I’m terrified of cows!).
“The first half was okay but the last 10 miles were a slog. Every muscle in my body was awake and my feet were so sore as I had a pain in my heel I just couldn’t shake off.
“It was also fully exposed to the sun and after not running in the heat for quite a few months it literally just sapped the energy out of me. But I had some amazing company as always and it was so much fun; I absolutely loved it.
“Huge congratulations to everyone that took part and massive thanks to all the volunteers – they really do make the event what it is.
“Now it’s time for a proper rest whilst I plan my training for the Epona 100 mile event next June!”
Cathryn Scott – fourth ultra marathon
“It blows my mind that I can now say I’ve run four ultra marathon events (five, if you include the solo 30 miler I did two years ago!). Me of five and a half years ago, when I was a nervous new runner wondering it would ever be possible for me to run 5K, would simply never have believed it. But here I am, two VOGUMS, one HOWUM and a RIDUM later, wondering what is next!
“I felt a little deflated after my last ultra, the HOWUM at the start of May. I’d been going through a difficult time in my personal life, training hadn’t gone as well as it could have, I had been struggling with insomnia, and I found it so hard on the day. The mental battle set in early and I was very grateful to the She Runners who kept me going. Although I completed it, it was a struggle. I knew I was capable of doing and feeling better. And so the very next day, I signed up to RIDUM, four months later.
“It was hard, of course – running 30 miles through hills, trails and mud is never going to be easy, but I loved it. I felt strong starting out, the views were stunning, I had great company, in particular She Runners Catrin and Lorna, and a runner we met along the way called Emma.
“I had a few set backs – my favourite running socks somehow developed a hole on the back of the ankle which caused my shoes to rub through my skin so much it was bleeding. I had to do an emergency sock change and apply a plaster on the middle of a hillside (being a “just in case” type person, my hydration vest was packed with everything I could need so thankfully I had all this to hand!). I fell over TWICE – not on the uphills, the downhills, the muddy bits, or the rocky bits, but on a completely flat bit both times. Having never previously fallen over while running it was a huge shock, but thankfully other than a scrape and bruise on my knee and being covered in dirt, I was unharmed.
“Some of the other She Runners who’d done both the HOWUM and RIDUM said they preferred the HOWUM, but for me I much preferred the RIDUM. In theory, the RIDUM is a more technical, more challenging route, but for me I was in such a stronger place mentally that I found it more manageable and enjoyable. It just goes to show how important your mindset is on events like this.
“My family came to support, as always, My children refused to give me a hug at check point two saying I was smelly and sweaty… but thankfully the She Runs volunteers were more forthcoming with their cwtches! Seeing the purple at the check point always makes me feel emotional. Having volunteered at VOGUM I know just what an effort goes into making these check points so successful; having someone fill your water up, reminding you to eat and put suncream on when your exhausted makes such a difference and I’m very grateful to everyone who volunteered because without the, events such as this just couldn’t go ahead.”
What our volunteers said
Lorraine Kelly
“I volunteered as I’m pretty new to running consistently and having listened to Berni [Bernadette McCarthy, a She Runs Member and seasoned Pegasus runner and volunteer who spoke at a recent She Runs Cardiff event] I was intrigued. I also wondered if at some point I had it in me to do an ultra… Volunteering gave me that viewpoint.
“I was pleased to see runners of all abilities, ages, body type, etc. Ultras always seemed to me an elite sport. After volunteering I can see it’s not just how fit you are, it’s that whole mindset and determination that gets you through.
“The best parts were interacting with the runners – a bit of encouragement or empathy where needed, and knowing when to talk to them, who needed help with getting water, blisters tended to etc then seeing them visibly stride off with a smile and a wave after a bit of food, water and a chat.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the day. I was amazed at the organisation that goes into the event. And I was really impressed with the tail walkers, who were so supportive to the runners. It was also lovely to see how the runners really appreciated the check point volunteers and food.”
Myfanwy Thomas
“Having run five Pegasus ultras, and having huge FOMO from not running the RIDUM, I wanted to help on the check point this time and knew my daughter Keira would love to get involved too. Most races rely heavily on volunteers to operate so I think it’s so important to take your turn to support.
“Keira and I have previously volunteered together on Ridge Runners races, most recently manning a checkpoint on the Radyr and Morganstown trail races. Keira sees the running community for what it is – one big family – and so to her volunteering is a normal and fun thing to do. She also loves ringing a bell… Easy access to many, many delicious snacks is of course a bonus.
“We had a great morning cheering, chatting and helping all of the runners and managed to last right until the last runners had passed through.”
Ann Lawson-Jones
“RIDUM was my fourth time volunteering at a Pegasus event – and my second time volunteering at RIDUM… I now have FOMO!
“Volunteering at my first, I was a bit anxious but Gruby [one of our run buddies and volunteer coordinator at the Pegasus events] gave me a job that didn’t need me to talk to the participants. But it was just as vital – I had to mark each runner in to make sure no one is left out on the route unaccounted for.
“This time I helped organise the drop bags. Then, as the runners come through to the check point, I had to find their bags and hand them over.
“It’s a quiet start where you set up the tables of food and drink. Then the first few runners come through (some don’t even stop!), followed by lots in quick succession then it tails off again.
I think I’ve found my groove now. The first question I ask is ‘how can I help?’ followed quickly by ‘can I refill your water for you?’ It’s so good to cheer the participants in and on from the check point, even more exciting when you see someone you know!
“Apparently my energy bites have become the food of legend and they are ‘ordered’ for next year by some! It’s lovely to feel appreciated and even more lovely to help.
After volunteering at my first one I was inspired to enter an ultra myself [Ann ran the HOWUM in May and was awarded Most Determined Runner]. Seeing it from the other side as an exhausted, emotional runner, the volunteers taking your water bottles and refilling them for you when you’re struggling to even remember your name, is such a blessing. Hugs from my She Runs friends was also very encouraging. Knowing they’re cheering you on keeps you going.
“If you’re thinking about volunteering, just do it! The atmosphere is buzzing, it’s great to spend a few hours giving back in the company of other She Runners – it’s a party!”
Lizzie Hoare
“I’ve always wanted to run a marathon, even as a child. I’d dabbled in running a few years back and had succeeded in reaching a distance of 10k.
“And then it fizzled out.
“I regularly watch videos on YouTube of folks running ultras with awe and envy and recently saw a Facebook post of a friend’s amazing time volunteering for one.
“Fast approaching 51yrs old, this notion of completing a marathon started pulling at me again and a couple of months ago I got out there and gave running another go. This time using the run/walk method of Jeff Galloway, and I’m loving it!
“The RIDUM popped up on the She Runs Cardiff chat and I decided to contact Pegasus about volunteering and I was accepted.
“Unbelievably excited, I rocked up in the moonlight and found myself on the registration desk. I was amazed to see that the lady I was stationed with, Bernie, knew so many of the runners by their names and greeted them like family!
The organisers of the event made every point of thanking us for our help and were genuinely grateful, and the runners were a happy friendly bunch of humans too.
“Sarah, one of the volunteers I was stationed with, as well as seeing the diversity and positivity of the participants, gave me the confidence to believe that not only am I capable of running a marathon but I am capable of running the RIDUM!
“Training has commenced in earnest and not only am I excited to volunteer for Pegasus next season, I’m excited to participate in one of their events.
“Thank you to everyone for the inspiration and self-belief.”
Our She Runs Cardiff members are already signing up for various Pegasus events for 2024, either as runners or volunteers. For more information on Pegasus events visit their website here.
If you’re a She Runner taking part in any Pegasus event, let us know on our social media and we’ll direct you to our event pages and chat groups including others taking part.
If you’d like to volunteer, again contact us via our social media – we’d love to hear from you.
This event is part of our second year of fundraising for Big Moose Charity, which provides fast-access mental health support and counselling for anyone who needs their services. We are overwhelmed to have raised more than £21,000 so far – more than double our original target.
If this has inspired you, please consider making a donation here:
She Runs: Cardiff - Mae Hi'n Rhedeg: Caerdydd 