Double or Nothing. Gareth Jones | 215 (220) Miles | 23,600ft | 74:37
Back-to-Back Brutality: Gareth Jones’ Epic Double
Just one week after grinding through 100 miles at the Beacons Way Ultra, Gareth Jones toed the line for one of the UK’s toughest ultras — the Race Across Scotland, a 215-mile epic from Portpatrick to Cockburnspath.
The challenge? Tackle both events back-to-back, with just six days between them. The result? 6th place in an elite field and a finish time of 74 hours, 37 minutes, 44 seconds.
Starting with only a 40% chance
Going into the race, Gareth was realistic about the toll from the Beacons Way.
“I’ll be honest, I gave myself about a 40% chance of finishing. But I took a gamble, went for it anyway — and we came out shining.”
The low points
Sleep deprivation was inevitable over 215 miles, but it hit hard on the second morning.
“I was in zombie mode, my eyes were closing. I needed to sleep but I’d had so much caffeine I couldn’t switch off.”
The Beacons fatigue
The early miles felt surprisingly good — until the legs reminded him of last week’s 100.
“About 20 miles in, I felt the fatigue. I slowed down, ran my own race, and used the night to pick the pieces back up.”
Curveballs and checkpoint boosts
From GPX errors leading to electric fences, to standout moments with fellow runners and crew, the race was never dull. One highlight?
“Separating the BareFuel you gave me into bags for each checkpoint was a game-changer — and fresh socks every time was like a dream.”
The admin game
Asked for advice on back-to-back ultras, Gareth kept it simple:
“Admin yourself well — stick to a routine. Structure in recovery makes it possible.”
What’s next?
Gareth’s not slowing down. With something big planned for September, Copthon 200 in November, and the Winter Spine in January, this was just another chapter in an incredible year.
Full Q&A below - Some man
Q: 215 miles across Scotland after 100 miles in Wales — how does it feel to have finished both?
A: "It feels absolutely fantastic. I’ll be honest, going into the Race Across Scotland just after Beacons Way, I probably only gave myself about a 40% chance of finishing. But I took a gamble, went for it anyway — and we came out shining, coming in 6th place is a dream"
Q: What was the toughest moment in the Race Across Scotland?
A: "Yesterday morning. I was walking on the trail in zombie mode — my eyes were closing, I really needed sleep. I’d lie down to try, but I’d taken so much caffeine I just couldn’t switch off. That's something I would change for next time"
Q: How different did your body feel starting the 215 after the Beacons 100?
A: "At the start my body felt fantastic. About twenty miles in, I started to feel the fatigue from Beacons. So I slowed down, ran my own race, and used the night — my strong point — to pick the pieces back up."
Q: Any unexpected challenges?
A: "last night my GPX messed up and I ended up at an electric fence crossover. I had to sacrifice getting over just to get back on track."
Q: Was there a standout checkpoint moment or interaction that lifted you?
A: "There were loads of great points at checkpoints, but one special moment was with David Murch, the photographer. He caught me in full glory — I’ll never forget it."
Q: What gear or kit decision made the biggest difference?
A: "Socks, socks, and fuel. Separating the BareFuel you gave me into separate bags for each checkpoint was a game changer — plus fresh socks every time was like a dream come true."
Q: One piece of advice for anyone attempting back-to-back ultras?
A: "Admin yourself well — stick to a routine. Structure in recovery makes it possible. Look after yourself like you would in training."
Q: What’s next?
A: "Can’t tell you yet — it’s a surprise. But I’ve got something big in September, then Copthon 200 in November, and Winter Spine in January."
From us at Highland Fuel Nutrition — huge congratulations, Gareth.
In the space of 2 weeks, you’ve taken on two of the UK’s toughest ultras and crossed both finish lines with grit, humility, and a smile that says “I left nothing out there.”
Back-to-back efforts like this aren’t just about fitness — they’re about heart, discipline, and the quiet belief that you can keep moving when every part of you says stop. You’ve shown exactly what it means to be Built for Endurance.
Rest well, Gareth — you’ve earned every moment. We can’t wait to see what you do next.
