Our congratulations go to Louise Perry for successfully completing the Lulworth Cove Trail Running Challenge as an ultramarathon. 

Louise, a Revenue Administrator in our finance team, took part in the challenge on the last weekend February at the picturesque Dorset location which features a stretch alongside the famous Lulworth Cove. 

For the uninitiated, an ultramarathon is a race longer that’s longer than the traditional marathon length of 42km, plus it involved trail running off the beaten track – comprising 29 miles (46.6km) – with a total elevation of 6086ft. 

Today (Wednesday) is International Women’s Day so it is fitting that we share Louise’s inspirational story, which began in more modest surroundings. 

“I took up running around five years ago starting the couch to 5k,” Louise explains. “I completed this and soon became addicted! I ran a 5k, then a 10k joined a running club and this is where my passion for Trail Running began.  

“Not just happy with pounding the pavements I went off road, seeking out the toughest hills and extreme (but beautiful) places to run. Doing an Ultramarathon has been on my bucket list for some time and decided that before a milestone Birthday this year, it had to be done!” 

Training for the Lulworth challenge started last October and included a few races, notably ‘The Fan Dance’ – a gruelling 15 mile SAS Selection run, staged over Pen y Fan, the highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons, and organised by ex-Special Forces.  

A time of 3hrs 15 mins put Louise in the top five female finishers for that event but there was more to come in the form of 20-mile runs each weekend in January to finish preparations. Louise admits this became “a chore” which was followed by a healthy bit of marathon anxiety, but that didn’t put her off ahead of the big day. 

“Conditions were cold but clear (perfect),” Louise describes. “I stood at the start line with the other runners filled with anticipation and excitement. The first few miles were easy enough and in the distance I could see what lay ahead. Some absolute killer hills! By around the halfway point I could feel myself wanting to give up.  

“This is where I knew that the rest of the race was mind over matter,” she adds. “I had done the training I knew my body was capable of doing it, I just had to convince my mind. At one of the last checkpoints I drank some magic potion (full fat coke!) and suddenly had a burst of brand newness, I slogged on taking in the beautiful views and kept going. One foot in front of the other.  

“There is nothing quite like being out on the trails in your own head, absorbing the beauty of nature. There are no crowds cheering you on, it’s just you hearing the silence, focusing on breathing and the rhythmic sound of each step.” 

Louise crossed the finish line in a time of 7 hours and 30 seconds, completing a huge test of endurance. 

“I can’t really describe how I felt when it was over,” she contemplates. “I think it was pure relief and exhaustion! Having time to reflect I have the feeling of euphoria and extreme gratitude. Our bodies are capable of anything if we put our minds to it.” 

After successfully conquering the challenge Louise hinted there may be more events to come, and doesn’t rule out a return to Lulworth next year.  

“I’m looking forward to going back to regular runs and enjoying it without any pressure,” she says. “Although if anything extreme catches my eye, who knows! 

“My instant reaction after finishing was ‘I’m never doing anything like that again’. But now the legs have started to recover I think I could definitely lose those pesky 30 seconds and get under 7 hours.” 

We look forward to hearing about it! From everyone at the BBA – well done, Louise! And thank you for sharing your story.