Essex Way Ultra July 2023

Celebrating the Unstoppable Spirit of our Thurrock Harrier Athletes! 

We are thrilled to share the extraordinary achievement of two of our very own Thurrock Harrier athletes who fearlessly took on The Essex Way Ultra Marathon from Friday 14th to Saturday 15th July 2023!

Embarking on this monumental journey from Epping tube station at 9:00 pm on a Friday evening, they faced the challenges of self-navigation and traversing difficult terrain with head torches. Covering the entire 82-mile stretch of the magnificent Essex Way trail, they showcased unparalleled determination and endurance throughout the night.

Paul Mitchell, showing incredible resilience, covered an impressive 60 miles before retiring, all the while wearing a smile.

As for Matt 'the machine' Butler, his determination knew no bounds, as he not only completed the 82-mile trail but even went above and beyond, totalling 85.55 miles due to some interesting detours. Matt's unwavering commitment pushed his body to its limits, and while he claims it was his last ultra, we can't help but wonder if his love for running will lead him back for more!

A special shoutout to the two wives, Paul's wife Deborah Mitchell and Matt's wife Anne Butler, who provided unwavering encouragement and support throughout the ultra. Anne Butler's act of love, preparing freshly cooked burritos for Matt at 6am on Saturday morning, truly exemplifies the spirit of camaraderie within our running club.

Let's give a resounding round of applause to these inspiring individuals for their dedication and passion for running! Their achievements are a shining testament to the spirit of Thurrock Harriers. #ThurrockHarriers #UltraMarathonChampions #RunningHeroes #EssexWay2023