With his alarm set for 1am, Guernseyman Mike Pitcher rose to the 49-mile challenge on the longest and one of the hottest days of the year – the summer solstice.
It was his second time participating in 20 years.
‘I think I forgot how tough it was,’ the retired banker said.
Setting off at 3am, he cruised through the finish line 19 hours and 20 minutes later – and others trailed behind him.
‘Once you start, the buzz kicks in and the adrenaline starts,’ he said.
‘Seven miles in, as you’re approaching Gorey you see the most wonderful sunrise – deep, dark red just peeping over the horizon.
‘Most people never see a sunrise like it in their whole lives. The shock of getting up early quickly recedes as you enjoy moments like that.’
Entering alone, Mr Pitcher said he likes to ‘do my own thing’. Having also completed Guernsey’s round-island walk last year, he said the key was pacing himself and listening to his body. Fully recovered by morning, he went out to celebrate with family the next day.
‘I didn’t really train but I keep myself reasonably fit,’ he said.
‘I walk, cycle, go to the gym five days a week and do a bit of jogging.’
On his last conquest of Jersey 20 years ago he clocked in at just over 14 hours, but said speed was not his focus this year.
‘I was determined that, apart from finishing, I would actually enjoy myself,’ he said.
‘And I did. There’s not much point in doing these things unless you get some enjoyment out of it, particularly at my slightly advanced age.’
Savouring every moment of his feat, Mr Pitcher said he took regular breaks, reminding himself to soak up the views along the way.
‘It was a very hot day,’ he said.
‘But the scenery on the north coast of Jersey is spectacular if you can force yourself to spend a few seconds to enjoy it.’
It was after retiring that Mr Pitcher ‘caught the bug’ for long-distance events – after his first marathon in New York, he has completed 75 full and half-marathons, tackled the highest peaks in Africa, Europe and America, and cycled various expeditions around Spain and the UK, including a solo trip from Land’s End to John O’Groats for his 75th birthday.
‘I try to book myself a new challenge each year to prove I’m still alive,’ he joked.
‘I’m very lucky, I still enjoy travelling and really lead the life that most people dream about. But everybody’s got things on their mind, no matter their walk of life. For me, whatever the day-to-day issues are, I find they’re totally forgotten 100 yards up a fell in the Lake District.
‘Walking and exercise in general have that effect – clears the mind and puts things in perspective.’
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