About uLTRA TRAILS
Ultra Trails is Grant and Mel and we live in Stamford Bridge, on the doorstep of the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds, which is great because we get to enjoy running there most weekends. We married in September 2023 and have a blended family. Grant’s two adult children Rhys and Kian, and Mel’s daughters Phoebe and Martha.
Ultra Trails isn’t a business, company, job or a hobby; it’s our passion and it is something we do because we want to make a difference. Together, we organise these events in our spare time, juggling full time jobs, family and life. It is just us, but we can’t do everything on our own and we are very grateful for the army of volunteers who help us make the event day special.
We want our events to benefit others. That is why we work hard to integrate with the local community so that local businesses and charities can benefit too.
About MEL
I am very much a back of the pack runner, so I’m usually chasing cut-off times. My experience of this is one of the reasons we decide to have no checkpoint cut-offs and, a generous overall cut-off time. I want runners who are like me to enjoy the trails without any pressure. I do hope this encourages even just one person who is worried about times to attempt one of our events.
The Yorkshire Wolds are a hidden gem, you’re in for a real treat! I think many people are surprised by the fact that there are hills (Some big ones!) I’ve spoken to people on the trails who have been taken aback by the unspoilt beauty and amazing views . I hope you love with them as much as we do!
About GRANT
Ultra Trails means so much to me. It’s something I want to do for the rest of life because I find it so rewarding and fulfilling. I actually prefer organising events to running and enjoy everything about it, including the stress, pressure and sleepless nights!
There is nothing I love more than seeing people finish, from first time ultra runners to the last over the line. Behind every finish is the start, or end, of a journey after months of hard work and it is a great feeling knowing that you have created a platform for people to achieve their personal challenge.
I am passionate about making our events accessible to as many people as possible and to me it doesn’t matter how long it takes for people to finish. I also want our start line to be filled with as many women as men. It is possible and I won’t stop adapting and changing our events until we achieve this every time.
