Embrace Ultra

I had a fantastic experience at the event hosted by Embrace Ultra. The course was stunning, mostly following the Medway river with a bit of variety, and featured a nice mix of pavement and trail sections. It was pleasantly flat throughout. The support on the route was top-notch, with helpful volunteers and well-stocked aid stations. The vibe was warm and welcoming from the very beginning to the end.

I thoroughly enjoyed the event organized by Embrace Ultra. The course, which winds through the woods, offers a fantastic trail-running experience. Everything was impeccably organized, from start to finish, and the support at the aid stations was top-notch.

As a first-timer at an Embrace Ultra, I was thoroughly impressed by how well-organized the event was from the moment I registered until I crossed the start line. The flat course made for an easy run, while the incredible volunteers made every participant feel like a superhero. It was such an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere that I had a fantastic day and would highly recommend the race to anyone looking to try ultra running.

Had a wonderful experience at Embrace Ultra! The team was incredibly welcoming, especially those serving coffee at the aid station after the finish line. The course itself was great. There are a couple of tweaks that could help with future events. First, the signage around Teapot Island was a bit confusing, so clearer markers would be helpful. Also, with the growing number of participants, the starting area could use more toilet facilities—either a larger hall or extra portaloos would be a relief (thankfully, the public toilets in Rochester were noted as an alternative). Another issue was congestion on the grassy sections not near the start; many of us got stuck behind slower runners because there wasn’t enough room to pass. That might be harder to fix, but something to consider. All in all, a fantastic first race!

Participating in the event hosted by Embrace Ultra was a fantastic experience with absolutely no downsides. I particularly appreciated the relaxed cutoff times, which let us fully immerse ourselves in the surroundings without stressing about the clock. The staff and volunteers were incredibly welcoming throughout. As someone who usually gets anxious about navigation, I was impressed by how straightforward the course was; the clear red and white tape made it easy to stay on track, and we never had to backtrack. The only minor quibble would be the absence of cola at the aid station, but that’s a very small detail. Big thanks to the entire team for organizing such a well-run and enjoyable event.

As a newcomer to ultra-distance running, Embrace Ultra’s Three Castles 50k was an excellent debut. The course was surprisingly flat for a trail race, tracing the scenic banks of the River Medway from Rochester to Tonbridge, offering a beautiful landscape for runners of all levels.

I am genuinely impressed by the experience at Embrace Ultra. It is hard to pinpoint any real flaws, though adding clearer distance markers during the second half could be a nice touch. Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable event and well done to everyone involved.

I had a thoroughly enjoyable experience with Embrace Ultra. The event was impressively organized and well-stocked at the checkpoints, creating a friendly and inclusive atmosphere from the start to the finish line. A wonderful event!

As a first-time ultra runner, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but Embrace Ultra exceeded my expectations. The entire event was seamless, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The team was incredibly welcoming, and the hydration and nutrition stations were spot on. I’d certainly do it again!

Embrace Ultra really set the bar high for their debut event. As someone tackling their first ultra, the Three Castles 50k felt incredibly well managed. The support crew and aid stations were top-notch, and the route offered a nice mix of scenery to keep things interesting. If you’re chasing a personal best, keep in mind that the starting pack had to navigate a long single-file stretch which slowed things down a bit. It didn’t bother me, but fast runners might want to position themselves at the very front. Otherwise, it’s a fantastic experience—I’ll definitely be returning.

My first experience with Embrace Ultra was a positive one. The event was well-organized, with clear signage and helpful information sent beforehand. I was especially impressed by the support provided by the marshals and the teams manning the aid stations throughout the day.

Embrace Ultra delivers an exceptional trail running experience that’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned athletes. The course offers a relatively flat route that still provides a solid challenge. Highly recommended—secure your spot in next year’s edition!

I’d give this event more than five stars if I could. The only minor gripe was the congestion in the first few miles, but that was due to participants not letting others pass rather than any fault of the organizers. The whole event was impeccably run from the moment I registered, with clear and timely updates leading up to the day. Picking up my bib was quick and hassle-free, and having bag drop available was a huge plus. The race itself was incredibly fun and easy to navigate thanks to the clear signage. The finish line was buzzing with energy, supported by great music and an enthusiastic cheer squad. Having met Phil and Jen a few weeks earlier, I already knew Embrace Ultra would deliver an amazing experience, and they certainly didn’t disappoint. I can’t wait to join them for another event.

The trail itself was excellent, and the marshal team at Embrace Ultra provided really solid support throughout the event.

I was thoroughly impressed by Embrace Ultra for my debut race. The organization was impeccable, with well-coordinated aid stations that offered great variety and staff who were incredibly welcoming. It really felt like a community event, from the fellow runners to the volunteers and spectators. The route is largely flat and accessible, with efforts made to clear the paths beforehand. Since most of the distance is on hard surfaces or tarmac rather than technical trail, it’s ideal if you prefer running on roads or tracks, though be aware it isn’t a rugged off-road experience. There was a brief single-file section early on with grassy terrain that slowed us down for a few kilometers, but it didn’t detract from the overall goal of crossing the finish line. While markers were generally clear, the red and white tape became sparse in straight sections near the end, which could lead to minor confusion if your focus wanes. There were also a few unmarshaled road crossings where you just need to be aware of traffic—a fair trade-off for a smooth run. The finish area was the perfect conclusion to the event. With plenty of space, amenities, and family-friendly vibes, it was a relaxing spot to celebrate. The loop around the track for the final stretch was a fantastic touch; running the last 300m alongside my daughter made it a truly special memory. It’s an easygoing, friendly, and affordable event that deserves a spot in any runner’s calendar.

I had a fantastic experience at Embrace Ultra’s debut event. The atmosphere at the start line was wonderful, and it was inspiring to see such a mix of competitors, from seasoned athletes to casual participants enjoying the challenge. The scenery along the river was a highlight, though the long stretches through open fields felt a bit monotonous. The course clocked in at 51.5km rather than the advertised 50km, which made those flat, featureless sections feel like a grind, but the route was well-marked throughout. The aid stations were incredibly well-provisioned, and the volunteers were friendly and supportive everywhere I looked—huge thanks to them. One thing to note for future participants: while there was a hint about trails, it wasn’t explicitly clear that this was a technical trail race. The off-path sections were quite demanding, so knowing that in advance would have been helpful. I really appreciated the unique finish at the athletics track. However, the post-race refreshments were a bit sparse compared to other races, with limited drinks and snacks. Overall, a solid first attempt by the team, and I’d love to see even more variety in the lineup for their future events.

Embrace Ultra delivered a fantastic experience. The event atmosphere was energetic, and the support team was incredibly helpful. I also appreciated the thoughtful finishing area, which offered comfortable seating, shade, and plenty of refreshments, along with convenient parking.

The support at the aid stations and the energy from the marshals and volunteers made Embrace Ultra a truly positive experience. However, the finish didn't quite match that high. I was disappointed by the lack of vegetarian food options and the poor quality of the hydration drinks available.

Loved the scenic route along the Medway with Embrace Ultra. It would be great if you could alternate the direction of the course in future years to give runners a fresh perspective!

As a first-timer at Embrace Ultra, I was thoroughly impressed by the whole experience. The course and views were stunning, and the organization was top-notch. I really appreciated the well-stocked aid stations and the friendly marshals along the route. Crossing the finish line at Tonbridge Athletics track was a fantastic end to the race, especially with the welcome back of tea, coffee, soft drinks, and hot dogs. It’s a truly fabulous event, and I highly recommend it.

Embrace Ultra delivered an exceptional experience, proving to be one of the finest ultra marathons I have ever tackled.

Embrace Ultra proved to be a standout event, showcasing exceptional organization for their debut race. From the clear pre-race updates to the friendly volunteers and well-staffed checkpoints along the scenic route, every detail felt polished. The finish line at the running track provided a memorable conclusion to the challenging course. If you are chasing a 50km ultra experience, this is a highly recommended choice.

Embrace Ultra delivered a well-organized event from start to finish. The course featured a flat, fast route with varied terrain, clearly marked and supported by a downloadable GPX file for backup. The detailed race briefing provided beforehand ensured everything ran smoothly, resulting in a very successful experience.

Embrace Ultra delivered a fantastic experience with a beautifully designed course and seamless organization. It was refreshing to see a local team pull off such a professionally staged event.

Embrace Ultra delivered a superbly organized event with a stunning course. It’s the perfect gateway into ultrarunning for anyone looking to take their first step into the ultra scene. Highly recommended!

As a first-timer to an ultra and not from the local area, I was quite nervous about Embrace Ultra, but the experience completely put those fears to rest. I reached out with some questions before the race and was given reassuring answers. On the day, everything ran smoothly. The volunteers were incredibly friendly, whether they were directing traffic or out on the course, and the race director took the time to personally congratulate finishers, which added a wonderful personal touch. With well-marked routes and well-stocked aid stations, I felt supported all the way through. I genuinely had a fantastic time and found the quality of the event so high that it has me seriously considering running another ultra in the future.

Running my very first ultra with Embrace Ultra was an unforgettable experience. I was blown away by the stunning landscapes and didn’t realize how much beauty our local county had to offer for outdoor enthusiasts. A huge shoutout to the team and the fantastic volunteers who were incredibly supportive throughout the race. The aid station provisions were spot on, and it was great to see environmental considerations taken seriously. While the distance is challenging, the course felt accessible for both seasoned pros and first-timers alike. My only tip for next time: please add more distance markers in the final 5-10k to help keep the legs turning! Highly recommended event, well done to everyone involved.

Shoutout to the marshals and aid station teams—Embrace Ultra wouldn’t happen without your hard work. The sense of community at this event in the UK was truly fantastic.