The Heartbeat of the Rat Race 100: A TrailMed Perspective – The Extended Cut
As the first-ever Rat Race 100 Castle to Castle ultra marathon kicked off from the majestic Bamburgh Castle, stretching its ambitious 100-mile course to Edinburgh Castle, the air buzzed with anticipation, not just for the intrepid runners, but for us – the medical team at TrailMed. This wasn't just another event; it was a pioneering journey, and we, a consultant-led, multidisciplinary team, were its silent guardians, the essential safety net beneath every stride. Our role was not just to provide medical assistance, but to anticipate and prepare for the unique challenges of this ultra marathon, from the treacherous coastal paths to the unexpected heat, and the 'endless rain' that became our predominant weather challenge.
The Unseen Preparations: Building a Medical Fortress
Long before the first runner laced up their shoes, our work had begun. Deploying a comprehensive medical team across a 100-mile linear course, much of it remote and exposed, presented a unique set of logistical challenges. Our command centre hummed with activity, tracking every runner's progress, coordinating our fleet of ambulances and rapid response vehicles, and directing our distributed teams at strategic pit stops. We had to anticipate every possible scenario, from sprained ankles on treacherous coastal paths to dehydration in unexpected heat. However, as it turned out, the "endless rain" became our predominant weather challenge.
Our ranks were diverse, a tapestry of expertise woven from ECAs (Emergency Care Assistants), paramedics, nurses, doctors, and physiotherapists. Many of us had never worked together before this weekend. Yet, the shared goal of supporting every Rat Racer, from the first to the very last, forged an instant bond. We held briefing sessions where individual specialisms were highlighted, ensuring everyone understood how best to leverage each other's skills. It was a testament to the power of a broad multidisciplinary approach, where every individual demonstrated their niche area of expertise, complementing each other seamlessly. We were not just ready, but adaptable to anything the iconic, yet unforgiving, Northumbrian and Scottish landscape, coupled with the immense physical demands of a 100-mile ultra, could throw at us.
The endless Northumbrian and Scottish rain became an uninvited guest, a constant companion that tested both spirits and gear. While it obscured some of the breathtaking coastline, glimpsed only in fleeting moments, it certainly kept our team on our toes, turning trails into slippery quagmires and testing the resilience of even the hardiest waterproofs.
Seven medics, 1 physio, 100 miles and 500 rat racers!
Collaboration in Action: Beyond the Blisters and Into the Deep End
Of course, in any ultra-marathon, blisters are an undeniable rite of passage, and we certainly saw our fair share. Our medics became experts in blister management, applying specialist dressings and providing essential foot care advice to keep runners moving. But it was in the more complex challenges that our team truly began to shine, collaborating on solutions that went far beyond basic first aid.
We encountered numerous musculoskeletal (MSK) queries, ranging from acute muscle strains to persistent knee pain. Here, our physiotherapists became invaluable. Instead of a straightforward recommendation for hospital presentation, which could have been the default in less specialised settings, our physios' expert assessments often provided on-the-spot solutions: taping, specific stretching routines, or advice on altering gait. They were able to differentiate between a serious injury requiring evacuation and a manageable niggle, alleviating pressure on local NHS services along the route and, crucially, allowing many participants to continue their journey safely. This nuanced approach meant fewer unnecessary hospital visits and more runners achieving their goals.
This collaborative spirit extended to critical care as well. We performed on-route ECG interpretations and continuous patient monitoring for participants exhibiting signs of cardiac stress or severe fatigue. Picture a runner at a remote pit stop, visibly struggling, pulse racing. Our doctors and paramedics would quickly assess, often conducting an ECG right there. This immediate interpretation and decision-making enabled us to manage potential cardiac events effectively in the field, allowing for crucial early interventions or arranging appropriate transport to definitive care if needed. This proactive approach, rather than reactive, enabled us to support all Rat Racers in their chosen challenge, giving them the confidence to push their limits, knowing a comprehensive medical safety net was in place. It wasn't just about patching people up; it was about truly understanding the unique physiological demands of ultra-running and responding with precision.
The Stories That Fuel Us: From the First to the Last
Beyond the clinical duties, the immense pride in working alongside the amazing Rat Race crew was palpable. Their dedication, seamless organisation, and unwavering support mirrored our own commitment to the event. Every pit stop was a hive of activity, staffed by enthusiastic volunteers and the core Rat Race team, ensuring runners were fed, watered, and motivated. We were not just cogs, but integral parts in a bigger machine, united by the common goal of seeing every single participant safely to the finish line.
And then there were the challengers themselves – each one a story of grit, determination, and raw human spirit. We heard tales from every corner of the course. From the incredible Anna Rutherford, the Scottish runner who blazed a trail, finishing the 100 miles in a staggering 17 hours and 23 minutes – two hours ahead of her closest male competitor, Danny Castro, and five hours ahead of the next female. We learned she was even home in Peebles, tucked into bed, by the time the bulk of the field crossed the finish line. Imagine the sheer mental and physical fortitude required to run the final 50 miles of a 100-mile race entirely alone, having already covered 50! Her recounting of singing "9 to 5" up the Royal Mile and even pausing to check on a "stargazing" man on a golf course brought smiles to tired faces in our control room. Her praise for Rat Race's attention to female-specific provisions, like dedicated toilets with sanitary products, truly highlighted the event's inclusive and thoughtful approach, a detail often overlooked but deeply appreciated by the participants.
But our focus wasn't solely on the frontrunners. We were equally invested in the journey of those who pushed for 30, 40, even 48 hours. We were there for the last finishers, crossing the line on Monday morning, often in a mix of utter exhaustion and profound exhilaration. For them, it wasn't just about the time on the clock, but the personal victory of conquering 100 miles, a challenge that many had trained for years to achieve. Our fleet of ambulances and response cars were crucial for rapid deployment to any location along the sprawling course, but equally vital were the simple comforts we offered: warm cups of tea on a freezing morning, the unexpected joy of a Freddo chocolate bar that tasted like pure gold after hours of gels, and the quiet comfort of a hug for a runner who had just pushed past their limits. These small gestures became part of our repertoire, a silent acknowledgement of the incredible effort and vulnerability we witnessed. They were moments of shared humanity that transcended professional boundaries, creating connections that will last long after the aches and pains fade.
Though equipped for every eventuality nothing is more common then footcare!
The Rat Race 100 Ultra Marathon route map with the beautiful Bamburgh Castle in the background.
Gratitude Amidst the Gales: A Team Forged in Rain and Resilience
Looking back, the Rat Race 100 was more than just a marathon; it was a masterclass in human resilience and teamwork, from our initial planning meetings to the final packing up of equipment at Edinburgh Castle, our multidisciplinary team operated with a synergy that defied the fact that we hadn't worked together before. The professionalism, dedication, and genuine care demonstrated by every ECA, paramedic, nurse, doctor, and physio in our TrailMed family were truly inspiring. We learned from each other, supported each other, and, despite the long hours and the relentless rain, found joy in the shared mission.
Despite the endless rain and the immense challenges of a 100-mile ultra, there's an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Gratitude for being part of such an amazing, cohesive medical team, where diverse skills converged for optimal patient outcomes. Gratitude for witnessing the indomitable spirit of the Rat Racers, each step a testament to their strength and determination. And gratitude, too, for the fleeting glimpses of the magnificent Northumbrian and Scottish coastline, a dramatic backdrop to an unforgettable weekend. The historical significance of tracing the path from Bamburgh to Edinburgh Castles added another layer to the grandeur of the event, even if much of it was shrouded in mist and rain.
We started as individuals from different medical backgrounds. Still, we finished as TrailMed, a unit forged in the crucible of a truly extraordinary event. We look forward to many more Rat Race adventures, ready to support the next wave of challengers as they chase their dreams across Britain's most stunning landscapes, knowing that every mile run is a testament to the human spirit. Every successful intervention is a testament to the power of a dedicated, collaborative team.
