Dubbed “The island race” the first challenge with the Lundy half marathon is getting to the start line. The island is ten miles off the North Devon coast in the Bristol Channel, so the day begins with a two hour boat ride on the MS Oldenburg. The race is held at the end of June so good weather is possible, on the day we ran it the sea was “moderate” on the way over, resulting in a few poorly runners.
Once at the island it’s a steep ten minute walk to registration and the start line by the pub. The race begins as soon as everyone has their number.
Lundy is only three miles long and half a mile wide at its broadest so the route is creative! It starts down the centre of the island on a good stony track then heads to the eastern side. At this point the path narrows to single track and the drop to the sea is steep. This section has beautiful views but is a little frustrating as there is so much stop starting and it is difficult to overtake. It ends with some strength-sapping steep steps nicknamed the Stairway to Hell.
Round the south end in a big loop then down the west coast - much windier but an easier path although the granite is hard on the knees. At the north end of the island there are yet more steps down to the lighthouse and back up again - the puffins flying below made these just about bearable.
Back up the central spine then a cruel loop around the south end again to make up the distance before an uphill finish to collect a fabulous puffin medal.
Lundy half is a beautiful but tough race with over 600m of elevation. The fastest finisher was around 1:49 and they have strict cutoffs as the boat home leaves at 6pm and all the race kit has to be on it. Thoroughly recommended - it has been running for ten years and sells out every time.