In reality, the race covered 107 miles due to a few navigational detours, which she puts down to sleep deprivation, and took her 44 hours of continuous movement.

The Epona 100 route traverses the rugged terrain of the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons in South Wales, offering both challenging ascents and occasional downhill relief. With this year’s event held during the hottest weekend of the year in late June 2025, the race required participants to carry all their own food and water, adding to the physical and logistical challenges of staying safe and hydrated.

Beth said “It was an incredible experience and one I’ll never forget. It took a lot of mental strength to keep going for the full distance as well as coping with the physical effects of running such a demanding distance.”

The long nighttime miles were particularly gruelling for Beth. As she entered a second night without sleep, she experienced hallucinations, painful blisters, and swollen feet. Fortunately, the camaraderie of fellow runners and the unwavering support of her partner and sister who crewed for her throughout the event, helped her push through to the finish line in the early hours of the morning.

“The race was brutal, beautiful, and completely unforgettable,” Beth said. “I was pushed to my limits, but the support I received, and the spirit of the event made it one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”

The Epona 100 marked Beth’s thirteenth ultramarathon and her longest distance to date. Reflecting on her journey from school cross-country runs around Big Field thirty years ago, Beth never imagined it would lead to the ultramarathon distances she covers now.

Not one for letting her trail shoes hang around for too long, Beth is already planning her next challenge The Wall, a mere 70 miles from Carlisle to Gateshead in June next year!