When the Trail Says “NO”, Run Back at it
186 Miles of Redemption for Sanna
Earlier this year, Sanna Duthie set out to run the Pembrokeshire Coast Path in record time, north to south. For over 130 miles, she was flying until a cruel twist ended her attempt. Painful swelling in her Achilles and the arch of her foot forced her to stop, heartbreakingly close to the finish.
But if there’s one thing the trail teaches you, it’s that the journey isn’t over until you decide it is. Earlier this month, Sanna returned stronger, sharper, and hungrier than ever. With weeks of ramped-up training, meticulous preparation, and unshakable determination, she flipped the script, tackling the 186 miles again from south to north.
We caught up with Sanna to find out more about her incredible journey…
Sanna, how did this south-to-north attempt compare to your first FKT on this route in terms of mindset, and overall challenge?
Heading north, it is always tough to finish on that much elevation. It was a little bit risky. However, I felt I finished really strongly this time. I think it may have worked better. When you're at the other end of it, at the south, and it's flat and you can't really run it, that's quite demoralising. But up north, I didn't mind walking those hills because there was no choice. It was really tough. I mean, I've never sweated that much at the end of any long-distance run I've done. So I really, really did push.
The other thing about the South, it was easier for people to support me when near the end when I'm tired. There are more places that are accessible. Whereas up north, some of my checkpoints were quite far apart because it's just not that easy to get to. That was a bit of a worry - what if I needed more support at the end? How was my crew going to get there? But thankfully, I was okay. We worked it all out really well. I think it went to plan.
After the attempt to break your own record earlier this year that didn’t go to plan, what changed in your preparation or mindset that helped you succeed this time?
I did maybe have a bit more doubt. That's the negative part of it. Obviously, I got so far last time, it was still a 38-hour run over 130 miles. So I was worried that I couldn't let anything go up to that point because anything could happen again.
That acted like an itch in the back of my head to keep everything in control, making sure I was eating and changing my socks when I needed to. I looked after my feet. Well, I looked after them last time, but I was even more conscious than before.
I also worked on my strength and mobility. I always do, but I knew if I wanted to do this, I had to up my game and I did that exactly. I also got sports massages, which helped prevent the tightness and release the calf that had the problems. So I didn't change so much during the run, but more before. I also took the day off work before it, so I was much less stressed as well - so much more relaxed.
Starting in perfect conditions at midday on Friday, Sanna’s pace was electric from the first step - steady, focused, and relentless. After a flawless night, she pushed through the heat of day two, battled uncut paths and awkward terrain in the second night, and, after just a 10-minute sunrise nap, was reborn. With renewed energy and unbeatable good vibes, she powered into the final miles, finishing with a sprint that could have belonged to someone who’d only just started running.
You've called it the “run of your life”. What would you say are the standout moments?
The high point was crossing at Sandy Haven, wading across the river because I was there too early. I remember crossing it and going, “yeah, I'm badass”.
Another high point, I was really chuffed to get 100 miles in under 24 hours. It was like 100 miles in 23 hours and five minutes. That was a really big boost to my confidence to help me push through, knowing that my body was fit, capable of doing that. I wasn't broken after pushing, so it just gave me confidence.
What kit did you rely on most across those 48+ hours, and was there anything in particular that made a big difference this time round?
I did use the Helvellyn Pro poles last time, but it was more of a stabiliser rather than for running. This time, I was able to run and make good movement with the poles, so that was really, really good. The Harrier poles are different to any that I've had before, and I'm loving them - I’m excited to try and use them more.
And obviously, the Kinder 10L race vest to carry all my food and water. I think I got one slightly dry patch on my back, but no chafing marks on my body from it. So I think that's pretty good going. So very pleased about that.
And… really… sprint finish?!
Yeah, because of dropping out the last time, I just really wanted a strong finish. I was so excited and so happy, I thought, just do it. Why hold back? Just give it your all. This is what you've come to do, so do it, you know? You're doing what you love, so love it.
So what are your final thoughts, now you’ve had a few days to process it?
I’m just thankful to everyone for the support. It's been phenomenal. The love and support that I've received has made me feel amazing and very happy. It's been a tough few months, so thank you to everyone for showing me the light again, like the Strumble Head Lighthouse, but this time it's from people.
The support from my dad and Andrew, everyone at Harrier and my friends, it's just been an amazing, amazing week. I don't think it'll ever be beaten, but I don't want it to be.
Also, thank you to GB Ultras for lending me the trackers, that’s a really big part of making this happen.
In 48 hours, 23 minutes, and 49 seconds, Sanna had done it, rewriting her own story and setting a new supported female FKT on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. An absolute warrior, she’s proof that with grit, heart, and the courage to try again, the finish line is never out of reach.
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