Running an ultra at 60

I started running the year I turned 50 and didn’t consider myself a runner until I completed my first 30 mile trail event and discovered this was my distance - it seemed ultra marathons, age and HRT were my super powers!

Shetland Toe to Tip Ultramarathon

But this event was different, it was a multi day event. At first, I was nervous about being physically fit enough to get up and run again the next day and then again the next. Then I was nervous about elevation. Then I was nervous about self navigating. Then I was nervous about packing three bags. Then I was nervous about sea sickness. Then I was just nervous…

Rat Race’s Shetland Toe to Tip advert popped up on my Facebook and without hesitation I messaged my running buddies and we were immediately booking our places. What motivated us to sign up to a 3 day ultra running adventure? Location, location, location and significant birthdays (55th, 60th and 65th)!

Rat Race hold your hand every step (literally) of the way. As soon as the Shetland Toe to Tip 2026 WhatsApp group was created we knew we were with like minded adventurers. At our meeting place in Aberdeen people were soon chatting, laughing, sharing their hopes and fears. 17 hours later we were all stood together at Sumburgh Head counting down to the moment we were all waiting for.

People running along sandy beach next to clear water

One

Day 1 highlights included grassy fields, an airport runway, sandy beaches, St Ninian's Isle, patting cows and ponies, climbing fences (lots and lots and lots of fences!) stunning views, seals sunbathing, eating Laura’s lunchtime wraps, Rat Race’s flapjacks. Finish lines not finish times was certainly true - the crew boosted us as we needed. If time was tight, darkness was coming or we were tired or achy.

Man running along coast with birds flying above him

two

Day 2 highlights: four seasons in one day - sun, rain, hail, wind so much wind! Running through the Viking wind farm was an exercise of keeping upright and trying to stay on course whilst the gusts continually shoved us into the person on our right. The crew quietly watched over us and knew when we were cold, weary, injured, thirsty. They kept us going and kept us safe.

Three

Day 3 highlights: our training had paid off. Three days of navigating using my watch across moorlands, beaches, fields, cliff tops - and we had survived! I had been practicing navigating from my watch at every opportunity I could. It was liberating, and it has opened up a new world for me. I’m 60 and learning how to create new routes, has allowed me the confidence to explore a variety of new places. And I feel much more willing to sign up to self-guided events and local trail events which I previously avoided.

Wrap-Up

It’s easy to say I can’t or think of reasons not to or feel that you’re not good enough to sign up for an event. When in fact the only thing that’s stopping us is our confidence in ourselves . The 26 Rat Racers who signed up and completed Shetland toe to tip were just like me. They questioned their physical fitness and their ability to finish any day. And when you realise what you are capable of and at whatever age you can do this then the world becomes a much bigger place. The feeling I felt when I crossed under the Rat Race inflatable arch will stay with me for a lifetime.

So, what will motivate YOU to sign up to a three day ultra running adventure?