The 6633 Ultra Marathon proudly markets itself as “the toughest, coldest and windiest extreme ultra marathon on the planet.” It consists of a 350-mile race through the Arctic Circle, in which competitors are pushed to their physical and mental limits in freezing conditions whilst pulling 50kg of equipment on a sledge behind them. I was intrigued to catch up with the sole survivor of this year’s race, Lowri Morgan, shortly after her return to find out whether it was anywhere near as bad as it sounds.
Despite being on crutches due to toe fractures incurred during the race – presumably just one of many resultant side-effects – the S4C presenter sounded remarkably upbeat and very keen to talk about the race. “It’s nice to appreciate what’s happened, rather than getting straight back on the treadmill and forgetting the amazing experience,” said Lowri.
First, though, what did she have to go through in terms of preparation? “It was very strict,” Morgan admits, “but I’ve been brought up to believe in hard work, and I knew that this was the only way I’d be able to succeed in this challenge.” As she explains her optimistic approach I am beginning to realise that this is a woman with one hell of a positive attitude. She laughs as she remembers figuring out that “I’d run 4,000 miles in that year – the distance from Swansea to the start of the race!” I am in shock, but she’s not done yet as she informs me that she also trained in an industrial freezer with the special forces in Sweden and once ran 100 miles non-stop! Although, as Morgan highlights “It’s not just physical training; I’d say a third is physical, a third mental and a third down to your systems.” Confused, I ask what she means by systems: “I’d practise things like getting in and out of my sleeping bag with huge gloves on, or assembling my equipment with my eyes closed. I thought, I’m not going to be the fastest but I can certainly be the most prepared,” said Morgan.
Curiously, Morgan seems to have almost forgotten that, regardless of whether or not she was the fastest or indeed the slowest, she was in fact the only person to actually cross the finish line in this year’s event – her competitors having dropped out three days earlier. When I ask if she viewed the marathon as a competition she was quick to reply: “No not at all. I didn’t once look at the competitors and think that I needed to beat them.” Indeed, it is clear that her experiences with her fellow marathon runners have really touched her, “The camaraderie is very humbling,” she continues, “You wouldn’t see this in other races – people were sharing tactics and helping each other when somebody was down. It was awe-inspiring to see how kind people can be.”
So what’s next I ask? Any plans to put yourself through anything similar in the future? Morgan laughs again, reminding me that she is no stranger to a challenge. “Well, when I got back from the Amazon [following her Jungle Marathon 18 months ago] I said never again, and look what happened!” This time she’s not ruling anything out, she explains, but right now she is enjoying being at home and spending time with her husband. She also wants to continue to raise as much money for Shelter Cymru – her chosen charity before and during the race – but, Morgan continues: “obviously doing these expeditions is in my blood, it’s part of me. I love the freedom it gives me, the space to be myself, the beautiful countries I’ve been to. It’s all about pushing my personal boundaries and meeting the most inspiring people.”
And that, I conclude, is why Lowri Morgan keeps putting herself through these experiences. Indeed, I don’t doubt her for a second when she declares: “I simply love it!” And you know what; she’s almost convinced me to sign up next year. Almost.
You can continue to sponsor Lowri by visiting the Shelter Cymru website.