Sport and Exercise Psychology lecturer puts theory into practice in “Beautifully Brutal” race

On Saturday 3rd July 2021, Sport and Exercise Psychology lecturer, Dr Ross Roberts completed the Pen Llŷn Ultra.  The coastal Ultras takes the competitors along and around the famous Pen Llŷn Coastal Path, not far from Bangor University, with some incredible viewing points along the way with distances of 50, 75 or even 100 miles possible.
 
Ross completed the 50-mile race which starts and finishes at Aberech sands near Pwllheli. It follows the coastal path to Llanbedrog where the path then climbs to the famous Tin Man overlooking Llanbedrog beach. It then continues to Abersoch. At Abersoch it leaves the coastal path and follows the old “fishermans path” across the Llŷn eventually coming out at Edern. From there it re-joins the coastal path near Nefyn, and follow it past Porth Dinllaen and the Tŷ Coch all the way to Nant Gwytheryn. From Nant Gwrtheyrn it continues all the way to Mynydd Gwaith, and then follows various back lanes and paths back to Aberech.
 
Talking about the experience Ross said ‘The race was brilliant. The strap line for it is “Beautifully Brutal”, and that is a really apt description. The route was wonderful, I saw seals at Nefyn, great views across the LLŷn and saw further into Wales. It was also brutal as lots of the coast path is rolling and there were some steep climbs (there is about 4500ft of climbing on the route). The support on the route and at checkpoints was great, it seemed as if the whole population of Pen Llŷn were out in support! I have also never eaten as many jelly babies and drunk as much coke as I did on Saturday! I completed it in 10hrs and 1 min and finished in 13th place. Being a keen fell runner I’m used to being out in the hills for long periods, but this was definitely the hardest run I have done to date by some margin. I’d definitely do it again though, once the body has recovered, as the whole thing was fantastic!’

Publication date: 8 July 2021