This is the third of my trilogy of podcasts about the 2023 Arc of Attrition. On this episode Vassos Alexander shares his experience of this increasingly iconic event.

Vassos compares the brutality of the course with the overwhelming friendliness of those who organise it and support it. A big shout out to Jane and Ferg of Mudcrew

We met when Vassos came into the Penzance aid station at 39 miles and knowing he was in the race I took along a copy of his Running up that Hill book and asked him to sign it which he duly did. In return after the race I sent him a signed copy of my own book and asked whether he would be interested in coming on this podcast, the upshot of which is this episode.

We talk about the comparison with the Spartathlon which he ran in 2017 and his love of ultra running - even though he doesn't like the word ultra.

And his top tip for would be Ultra Runners? - just go and do it!

Vassos suggests his next challenge is a Bob Graham Round.

If you want to enter Mudcrew's Roseland August Trail Festival - known affectionately as the RAT series don't delay as places are being snapped up quickly - 2023 RAT

This is episode 111 of the Running 44@60 podcast. You can access and download the previous 110 episodes via your usual podcast app or follow this link.

Host Trevor Lee ran his own first ultra in 2021 - the 44 mile Classic Quarter - hence 44@60.  Trevor has written a book about his buildup and adventure – it is both a business and running book and is now available on Amazon via this link: 12 Business Lessons from Running an Ultra Marathon. Each sales generates £5 for Childrens Hospice South West. 

If you would like to come on this podcast and share your running experiences, tips, advice, plans, as well as specialist knowledge that will help runners then email Trevor via: [email protected] 

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The Running 44@60 podcast began as a learning / motivational tool for host Trevor Lee in his quest to run a first ever ultra - the Classic Quarter in 2021 - here's the story of Running 44@60

The first episode was broadcast in August 2019. The final episode - number 173 - went out on January 31st 2025.

Trevor wrote a book on the back of the Classic Quarter: 12 Business Lessons from Running an Ultra Marathon - all proceeds go to the Children's Hospice South West