The Pony Express Ultra 2012 : 60 Miles Over 2 Days

The New Forest National Park was the setting for the 2nd event in the Hi-Tec Ultra Series – The Pony Express Ultra. With the race holding a respectable 1 qualifying point into the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc the race is however classed by Extreme Energy as one of the easier in the series.

The race provided not only the opportunity to gain valuable qualifying points but also gave the runners the chance to experience everything the New Forest has to offer by taking them right into the heart of the national park, with breathtaking scenery, rolling hills and wild pony’s and deer to dodge.

On the morning of the 5th May, 120 ultra endurance enthusiasts ascended on Brockenhurst College, the starting point of the race. They travelled 30 miles of the national park to Ringwood over testing terrain and tough conditions.

Day 2 saw the runners take on a different trail of the New Forest heading back from Ringwood to Brockenhurst. Conditions were slightly improved underfoot which meant there were some even quicker finishing times.

The overall winner of the ultra and the person who blew apart the field, Mark Ford – clocked in a staggering time of 08:04:11 for the full 60 miles over 2 days.
There were some fantastic performances throughout the entire field of competitor’s, people (and dogs) showcasing strength, determination and drive to keep on going even when times got tough. This is what makes Extreme Energy events special – the people who do them!

Congratulations to everyone who took on The Pony Express 2012 and we look forward to seeing you at event 3 in the Hi-Tec Ultra Trail Series – Round The Island Isle Of Wight in June!

Category Winners

Male – Mark Ford 08:04:11
Female – Kate Mercer 09:26:31

All The Best -The Extreme Energy Team