Viki Smith – Glenpark’s Ultra Queen

Andy and Viki took a break to Menorca in September 2024. Right outside our hotel was a wooden post Cami De Cavalls. My interest was immediately peaked of an interesting wee trail to run on while we’re here. We gave it a go and I think we covered 10k max. Next thought was wonder if there’s a race. The answer being of course there was. There were in fact 7 solo distance races and 1 relay race. Me being me decided right there and then was if I’m doing it, I’m doing the 185k (the full malarky) absolutely clueless and with no clue of how hard it was going to be!!

There are no direct flights to Menorca from Scotland but my mind was made up that somehow I was giving it a go. With Andy & Dale all in too we got planning another foreign racing adventure. On the 22nd January I entered the Trail Menorca Cami De Cavalls – 185km (actual 115.86 miles) which meant 100 days until race day. The race was part of the UTMB series for some time but some kind of running politics tgot in the way so it’s not any more. Basically the 185km race is complete circuit of Menorca and what a way to see the beautiful island. I might have been forgetting the 10+ hour of darkness I would have to face.

While on the web at this point I was wondering if the figures that only 1 in two people complete the race, was just hype. I needed to ensure that my often used strategy of winging it might be best left at home for this one. I can’t thank Mark Caldwell enough for being a good friend, unpaid coach and mentor the last few months. I 100% know I couldn’t have done this race without his knowledge and support. Even if I did over share and annoy the life out of you with all my questions. I did have a wee blip in early April with a chest infection. Courses of antibiotics and time off my work were required but we knew those few weeks wouldn’t make much difference to my overall plans.

Before I knew it was packing time  and panic buying ensued. All packed and done we arrived in Menorca on Wednesday, a trip to the race Expo on Thursday to collect my number. I still get imposter syndrome as everyone else always looks so professional. I was undecided if I was going to share my upcoming race to my socials but I am so glad that I did with all the messages of support delivering a timely boost in spades.

This race doesn’t have the most elevation I’ve ever faced with approximately 3500 metres but the unforgiving terrain is unreal and I have never experienced anything like it. The race started on Friday morning at 8.30 am and what a start with the most beautiful black stallions leading us to the start line. Surprisingly, I wasn’t too nervous, it was well seen I didn’t know what was to come. I said my goodbyes to Andy and Dale knowing I would see them again about 30 miles in.

I loved Friday. It was brilliant. I was buzzing the whole day. Friday’s weather was a bit Scottish. Sunny, drizzly & windy.

I couldn’t believe when I got to 30 mile checkpoint and realised I forgot my watch charger. Yes the route has wooden way markers but when it’s dark and your tired something to tell you that your off route is most welcome. Poor Andy & Dale had to get back to our hotel retrieve charger and taxi it to the other side of the island. Part of the reason they were the best crew ever.

During the night I was treated to the most amazing lightning storm which, to be honest, felt like the strikes got a bit too close for comfort. Then when I was running through the residential areas I was thinking what if someone decided to abduct me. My brain  was definitely in overdrive. The night time definitely felt long and there were no other runners really about. This part had a busy road section where there was not much of a pavement. Passing cars were tooting away which I would normally love but again my brain had me overthinking everything.

The best part of the night was the Es Grau checkpoint. Hats off to the young people here who were amazing; giving every runner amazing cheers and singing their hearts out. I left here with a very happy vibe.

Honestly, I couldn’t wait for the sun to come up as I felt it had been dark for ages and my head torch was hurting my head.

Saturday came, and what a morning. It promised to be a hot one. Some food, a wash, a brush of my teeth and a change of top at Binbequer (70 odd miles in). It was here I started feeling something wrong with my feet. Tried puting some Compeed on the blisters which didn’t help and another few miles realised had more blisters probably due to the heavy rain during the night. I was able to keep going knowing I was going to see Andy & Dale in about 20 miles. My plan was to air my feet and get some food down (Coco Pops and tuna pasta were the snacks of choice although not together; but still what a combination)

If only I knew what laid in wait. The sun was high in the sky and I was shuffling along  with the head feeling it could run, while the feet were having none of it! The terrain was unreal and I felt every step pounding the jutting rocks. The relay runners had also started firing past me in their freshness. The speed of these guys and girls was unreal and felt pretty soul destroying as I was attempting to shuffle along although they were all very nice and encouraging as they shot past.

AS was inevitable in such a huge distance I hit a massive low when myself and a Brazilian runner spotted a sign with Ciutadella still 12.5km away. I think we both could have cried and for the first time actually wished I had his running poles. I had cursed them so many times throughout the race as almost everyone else had them and nearly got stabbed few times.

Maybe just maybe it’s time to get the ones I bought (yep the panic buying) out the packet and give them a go when I get home.

At this point I was also bit envious of all the families enjoying the most beautiful cove beaches as I passed. The sea colours were absolutely beautiful and reminded me in my life that it’s alright to slow down and appreciate what we see around us. Not being 100 mph all of the time is OK.

Back to the race which felt like a never ending story. I was so happy to see young kids with a hose who very politely asked if I wanted hosed down. Goodnes me,  it was just the best and wished I had gave them couple euros although felt worth a million dollars. With only 8 miles to go now I moaned away to myself how unnecessary this race was and that when I get to the hotel at La Caleta I was chucking in the towel. Proper in a huff with myself I heard Andy shouting across the bay “Go Viki”  I replied “Eh no I’m going nowhere so sick of this (insert expletive here) and why did I not chuck this 40 miles ago!”My feet were in absolute agony but like Rocky Balboa with Mickey sending him out for one more round, Andy and Dale sent me on my way with a paltry 5k to go totally huffing and puffing the whole way. It was at this point that I realised I might just get under 35 hours. (On Thursday night when I had imposter syndrome I was saying to Andy & Dale that if someone offered me 39:59:59 I’d shake their hand right there and then)

I genuinely didn’t have another 5 hours in me so I was delighted I didn’t have that to worry about.

Normally I’d promote races I have completed and say to my running friends go for it, get signed up but right now I’m not so sure about this one!

Huge shout out to my amazing friends who were rooting for me the whole way, love you all! All the Social Media posts nearly didn’t post but you know what, I needed all the positivity I could get and that was 100% delivered so thanks as well as the amazing WhatsApp messages and friends who kept in touch with Andy who relayed your support. It really is appreciated and you all helped me grind this one out and get round in on piece.

Little old me got round this epic challenge in 34 hours 51 minutes and finished 1st V50 out of 13 who started the race. I’m 100% taking The Legend status given to all finishers. I am so absolutely chuffed with myself.

I couldn’t believe it when I actually got awarded with a plaque yesterday at the Expo prize giving, You have got to be in it to win it and it definitely helped make my broken body a wee bit more bearable.

For me Menorca you are beautiful but for me the TMCDC is definitely a one and done.