Although we were reminded that this trail run across the Dorset coast is not a race, it is a challenge, that certainly hasn't stopped some of the the runners from treating it as such.

After weeks of constant rain, this is probably the muddiest I have ever seen the coast path. Even the mud was muddy!

I run along most of this section of the day 1 route quite regularly, and have also undertaken quite a few events along this stretch, so it is fair to say I am very familiar with the area.

Starting at Charmouth, there was no official start. Instead, our timing chip was geo-fenced so as soon as we crossed into a specific area we had started. This allowed for a rolling start as competitors arrived and had made themselves ready. This challenge consisted of runners, joggers and walkers, so each person can progress at their own pace. Some more leisurely than others. There is a cut off time so the even the walkers need to ensure they maintained a consistent pace.

Soon ascending Golden Cap, the highest point on the UK's south coast. It is a mere 190 meters high so not the biggest of climbs, but Dorset is renowned for its rolling hills, and it is just one of many "bumps" along the route.

After running through the checkpoint at West Bay, my home within sight, and making the necessary diversions due to an unstable cliff, we soon made our way onto the shingle of Chesil beach. I don't often run this way as it is hard going, but I trudged along and eventually made it to the relief of the hard tarmac of the West Bexington car park. My wife and a friend had kindly met me there to top up my bottles and food stores, in between check points.

It was back to the shingle for a short time until the route started to follow a road onto the next checkpoint at Abbotsbury.

From Abbotsbury, the coast path diverts in land, away from the coast line. Instead of taking the direct route on Chesil beach, which becomes separated from the land by a long lake called the Fleet, the path passes through farms and up and over a ridge, which on a clear day are something to behold, but at this point it had been mostly overcast, with brief clearances, and short periods of mizzly rain.

I had mostly been running within myself, since there are more days to come, and also this race/challenge is only an excuse to replace my training runs with an official run with others on my some of my favourite routes.

The route winds along the patch, hugging the inside of the Fleet, which gets incredibly muddy at this time of year. Eventually we arrive at the Portland land bridge. I started to experience some discomfort in my joints so the last few miles on road were slow going as I managed a run/walk to get to the finish line for the day. By this time it was glorious Spring sunshine.

28 miles completed, in 6 and a half hours. Very slow progress by my standards, but my goal for today was to finish fresh, not fast. There will be another two marathon distance runs over the next two days so this is all about keeping myself going longer, staying comfortable, and ready to take on more miles the next day.