Yellow Belly 50 Mile - Race Report
Not So Flat After All: The Inaugural Yellow Belly 50 Mile Ultra Marathon
As an ultra runner from Lincolnshire, I’m used to pre-race routines involving long drives and overnight stays so the chance to run a 50 mile ultra where my own bed was only a 15 minute drive from the start line was an absolute dream! The event was the inaugural Yellow Belly 50 Mile Ultra, and I was excited to see what a hometown ultramarathon in the Lincolnshire Wolds would deliver.
Lincolnshire 50 Mile Ultramarathon
The Race: Yellow Belly 50 Mile Ultra
Date: 13th September 2025
Distance: 50 Miles
Elevation: ~1,300m
Start/Finish: Swallow Village Hall, Lincolnshire
The Course: Putting the "Flat Lincolnshire" Myth to Bed
At 6am, we set off from Swallow village hall. Anyone who tells you Lincolnshire is flat has never run in the Wolds. This course, crafted by the new race organisers Yellow Belly Ultras, was a testament to that, packing in a deceptive ~1,300m of elevation into its 50 miles. The route was a brilliant mix of terrain, roughly 75% trail and 25% road/path, that kept us on our toes.
The course was a stunning showcase of the area, taking us along scenic sections of the Viking Way, through charming historic villages and across rolling farmland. The landscape was incredibly varied, one moment we’d be running through a quiet woodland, the next navigating a field of curious cows. The panoramic views of the Lincolnshire Wolds were simply spectacular. One of the unexpected high points was stumbling upon a wild apple tree at around the 50-60k mark which gave me a welcomed boost and was hands down the best apple I've ever tasted!
Of course, a great ultra needs a memorable challenge, and this race had one waiting for us. At around the 41 mile mark, just as fatigue was really setting in, we hit "heart-break hill" in Croxby. It's a short but tough climb and thankfully the final aid-station was waiting for us at the top, which was a nice touch.
The Joy of Self-Navigation
This was a largely unmarked course, so self-navigation was the order of the day. I relied heavily on my watch and the GPX file, which was a great way to stay focused and engaged with the route. As a helpful touch, the crew at each of the four aid stations provided a printed map of the next section, which was a brilliant backup.
I managed a few wrong turns, maybe three or four throughout the day, but thankfully nothing major. A quick check of the watch and I was able to get back on track without losing too much time or momentum.
My personal goal for the day was to sneak in under the 10 hour mark. I pushed hard, and for a long time, it felt within reach but in the end, I crossed the finish line in 10:09:36. While it's a shame to miss a goal by such a slim margin, I wasn't too disappointed. It's the perfect excuse to sign up again, not that I needed one! Besides, as any ultra runner will tell you, the experience of the run and the beauty of the course far outweighed the numbers on the clock.
A Masterclass in Race Organisation
For a first ultra marathon event, Race Directors Ally and Michael did an absolutely phenomenal job. The event was seamless, well-thought-out, and had a wonderfully friendly and supportive atmosphere.
A huge thank you has to go to all the volunteers. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and their hard work made the day possible. The four aid stations were a highlight, well-stocked with a fantastic spread of snacks, sandwiches, sweets, salted potatoes, cola, fruit, and nuts, everything you could need to keep you going.
The Podium Results
There were some seriously impressive times at the front of the pack. A massive congratulations to the top finishers:
Men:
- Archie Rainbow (07:27:12) 🥇
- Rob Crump 🥈
- James McNamee 🥉
Women:
- Olivia Sawford (10:04:12) 🥇
- Kimberly Ward-Pawson 🥈
- Helen Burgess & Janine Stones (Joint 3rd) 🥉
Final Verdict
The Yellow Belly 50 is a superb addition to the UK ultramarathon calendar. It’s a challenging, rewarding, and incredibly scenic ultramarathon that showcases the very best of the Lincolnshire Wolds. Backed by excellent organisation and an army of cheerful volunteers, this race is an instant classic.
I had a fantastic time and despite the sore legs, I’m already looking forward to Yellow Belly Winter Edition next year. I will definitely be signing up, and I highly recommend you do too. See you on the start line in 2026!
