Here at Morley Chiropractic Clinic, we talk a lot about the benefits of movement and staying active. Two members of our team recently went a step further than most, completing one of the Lake District’s most demanding trail ultra events.
On Sunday 31st May, chiropractor Martin (33 mile event) and massage therapist Julia (20 mile event) took on the gruelling Montane Ullswater Way Trail Ultra. This is a 33.5 mile off-road route set entirely within the Lake District National Park, and we are incredibly proud of them both for crossing the finish line.
About the Race
Starting and finishing at Jenkins Field in Glenridding, the Montane Ullswater Way Trail Ultra takes runners on a full circumnavigation of Ullswater, England’s second largest lake. The route links the lakeside villages of Glenridding and Pooley Bridge, passing through Patterdale and winding up to the spectacular Aira Force waterfall. From there, runners climb steeply above the northern shore before descending back through farmland to the finish.
With refuelling stations at Pooley Bridge at 18.5 miles and Aira Force at 30.5 miles, runners need to be well prepared both physically and mentally for the long stretches in between.
The Terrain and Conditions
The course is entirely off-road, covering a mix of rocky paths, grassy sections and uneven lakeside trails. With sustained climbs, exposed sections and rough, steep ground throughout, careful footwork is essential. It is a demanding but stunning route, with sweeping views over Ullswater and the surrounding mountains.
As for the weather, late May in the Lake District rarely promises much certainty, and race day was no exception. Conditions in the days surrounding the event were mixed, with some rain, dry spells and temperatures potentially reaching around 20°C, though things turned more unsettled around 30th May. Martin and Julia would have needed to be well prepared for wind and showers at any point on the course.
Why Ultra Trail Running is Good for You
Martin and Julia’s achievement is impressive by any measure, but it is also a powerful reminder of what the human body is capable of when it is trained, supported and looked after. Ultra trail running places enormous demands on the body, but those demands come with equally significant physiological rewards.
Here are just some of the benefits that come with taking on endurance events like this:
- Cardiovascular Development – Sustained effort over distances like this significantly strengthens the heart and improves its ability to pump blood and deliver oxygen to working muscles.
- Muscular Endurance and Tendon Strength – The physical demands of technical terrain build resilience in the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the lower limbs, reducing the risk of injury over time.
- Improved Bone Density – The constant impact and varied movement patterns of trail running help maintain and strengthen bones, which becomes increasingly important with age.
- Fat Metabolism – At ultra-endurance pace, the body becomes highly efficient at using fat as a primary fuel source, supporting better body composition and metabolic flexibility.
- Mental Health and Resilience – Endurance training supports healthy hormone levels and helps regulate stress responses. Ultra running has also been shown to reduce anxiety and build psychological resilience that carries well beyond race day.
- Balance and Coordination – Navigating constantly varying terrain sharpens balance and coordination, which supports everyday movement and long-term wellbeing.
- Long-Term Health Benefits – Regular endurance exercise is consistently associated with lower resting blood pressure, better heart health and a reduced risk of a range of long-term conditions.
The Role of Recovery
Of course, completing an ultra is only part of the story. What happens afterwards matters just as much. Recovery from an event of this distance requires careful attention to rest, nutrition, hydration and soft tissue care.
These are all areas where the team at Morley Chiropractic Clinic are well placed to help, whether you are an ultra runner or simply someone looking to stay active and move well.
If you are dealing with an injury, managing the after-effects of a big event or simply want to support your body to perform at its best, our team is here to help.
