The 8th Round Reading Ultra Marathon (RRUM) 50K trail race on Saturday 27 July could be the last to be promoted by Ultra Violet. If that does prove to be the case it will be going out on a high. With 190 starters, 183 finishers (in 9:34:40), and a female overall race winner, this event will live long in the memory of all who participated or made it happen.

Ultra Violet set off a mini social media frenzy when they published this message post-race: 
"We have decided that we'll take a break from the Round Reading in 2025, so there will be no event next year. This may have been the final RRUM, we may do it again, who knows. If the event doesn't return...what an 8 years we've had! From a daft idea in the pub, to a ground breaking post-Covid event, to showing people that the trails are out there, you just have to find them! We've done alright. Thank you to everyone who has supported the RRUM through the years, we're grateful for the friendships made along the way."

One response shared on social media was that while the RRUM is: "a really nice route ideal for ultra newbies [that] showcases some lovely areas close to home for many of us, but for people coming from further afield, perhaps they aren't attracted by a Round Reading run in the same way that 'Run to the Sea...' appeals."

The RRUM has been the launch pad for many ultra-marathon beginners with its moderate, attractive course beside the River Thames, River Kennet, Kennet and Avon Canal, and River Loddon and many supportive marshalls on the fully way-marked route with 330 direction arrows – estimated at one per every 150m of the course!

This year's overall champion was Katherine Wood (3:40:39) – pictured above #216, leading from the start – who returned to the Berkshire County Sports Club, Sonning nearly 18 minutes clear of M50 Alastair Bridgman (3:58:28) – the only other finisher under four hours. The next best male was third-placed Sam Wilmshurst (4:08:57) and the runner-up in the women's race was W40 Vicky Bosley-Fairbrother in 4:38:04.

Full results and previous reports are at the runABC South race listing here.

Photo courtesy UltraViolet Run/Round Reading Ultramarathon gallery