The long read
Ten editions of one race, and the volunteers who never missed one
I met nine of them. One has marked the same course every September since the start.
Read: Ten editions of one race, and the volunteers who never missed one
October 11, 2026 · 8 min
Dawn at the trailhead with a runner who never carries a watch
He leaves at five, carries a paper map and has a theory about porridge and pacing he would like you to hear.
Next issue: Sunday 15 November
Get the letter on Sunday morning
One long read from the mountains, a few short notes and your letters. Free, and it always will be.
More posts
Mailbag
Your questions: shoes, race briefings and my worst route choice
You sent 120 questions. I answered nine, including the one about the ridge I got very wrong.