I Wanted to Quit This 12 Hour Ultra in 31°C Heat

I went into HOPE12 chasing 14 laps, 70 miles, and maybe even a podium — but in 31°C heat, with a dodgy back and a brutal 5-mile loop, the race very quickly became less about the goal and more about survival. This is my full HOPE12 race film: the night before, the race plan, the homemade ultra fuel, the heat, the mental negotiation, the point where I nearly quit, and the stream that genuinely might have saved my race. HOPE12 is a 12-hour trail race at Newnham Estate, with runners completing as many 5-mile laps as possible before the clock runs out. Every lap has climbing, exposed sections, technical descents, and this year, absolutely brutal heat. I came in hoping for something big. What actually happened was one of the hardest, strangest, and most satisfying ultra performances I’ve ever put together. Thanks for watching — and if you enjoy honest race films, ultra running strategy, fuelling breakdowns and the messy reality of endurance racing, subscribe for more. In this video: HOPE12 race day vlog 12 hour ultra marathon strategy Running in 31°C heat Homemade maltodextrin/fructose gels Ultra marathon fuelling and hydration Mental strategies when you want to quit Race analysis and lap splits Race: HOPE Trail Festival 12 Hour Solo Newnham Estate 5-mile trail loop 12 hours 31°C heat