Rebecca Walker OC runs in the World champions 250km ultra marathon in the mountains in Slovenia June 2022.

I started running at Colston’s when I was 11 years old, and I have loved it ever since. On 4th June, I competed in the hardest race of my life against some of the best ultra-marathon runners in the world. The race was 250km over 5 days with over 11,000m of elevation to climb in the mountains in very hot temperatures in Slovenia.

The race was self-sufficient meaning we had to provide our own fuel for the race (snacks and energy drinks etc), as well as a minimum of 2000 calories a day in meals which were dehydrated to keep the weight of our race bag down. Fortunately, we only had to carry enough snacks for the race each day on us, as well as a minimum of 1 litre of water which could be topped up at each checkpoint.

There were 42 competitors on the start line from all over the world including Taiwan, Mexico, USA and Australia and I finished 14th out of 20 women. As someone who is absolutely terrified of heights, I was forced to face my phobia head on as nearly every part of the race was on narrow cliff paths with sheer drops, or forest trails with drops to the side. 

I saw some incredible views and experienced sportsmanship at its finest when a runner from Mexico helped me down a very technical and dangerous mountain trail. 

Racing those sorts of distances takes its toll on your body and I found myself battling extreme nausea each day so trying to get enough calories inside me was a real struggle! I also took several falls and came in most days covered in blood, sweat and tears! Crossing the finish line was one of the proudest moments of my life and I have the Old Colstonian Society to thank for assisting me with my entry fee. 

Rebbeca Walker OC