LEA-ding the cheer squad with Camino Ultra London

The Goodgym Red Thunder Crew were out in force for the 2024 Camino London Ultra Lea Valley 50km and Gratitude 25km race. Camino Ultra London are a smashing grassroots endurance running company, set up by Darren Strachan, David Bone and Paula Bedford. The concept for the races are to appeal to as many local runners as possible, by being accessible and radically inclusive. Great runs, fulfilling challenges, long cut-off times (there was a 100% completion rate for all runners this year) and a friendly community atmosphere for all.

Area Activator Simon had the opportunity to see the whole of the race from start to finish over the weekend. From packing up race numbers, trackers and pins in Welwyn Garden City and signing up 50km runners at the Gosling Park Better Centre, to cheering on the final runners on the course at Here East, Hackney Wick. This year, we saw the inclusion of the Gratitude 25km in Broxbourne (a previous aid station location for Goodgym), expertly Marshall Edinburgh by Broxbourne Runners, who had an abundance of runners out completing their races.

It was a joy to see Chris Burns of Goodgym Tower Hamlets crossing the line- a wonder effort for 50km running on canal towpaths on a glorious day (despite the hailstones!!!). A shout out to Harvey as well, for coming over from Ealing to cheer on all of our running folks- especially after completing his own 25km challenge at the Queen of the Suburbs event. James was absolutely smashing as a bag drop assistant for tired runners, and John helped Simon with collecting trackers from runners before they head to the Old Street Brewery for complimentary beverages (applicable with every medal earned!). Louise and Dan also helped with celebrating our runners towards the later stages of the race, and certainly helped to create the unique party atmosphere for those still out on the course. A wonderful way to complete a super successful race hosted by awesome people. Thanks again Camino Ultra London!

Darren, David, Paula, Caroline, Jess and Trina- congratulations!

See more of the Lea Valley 50km and 25km highlights at the official Camino Ultra London Instagram page:

https://www.instagram.com/camino_ultra?igsh=dmxrdnIycnAwd3J0

And you can enter the amazing Epping Forest 50km (5th October 2024) here:

https://www.caminoultra.com/events/london-epping-forest-50-km-2024