S4C presenter Lowri Morgan was the sole survivor of this year’s 6633 Ultra Marathon as she became only the sixth person to cross the finish line.
The channel’s cameras followed Lowri’s every step in the Arctic for the series, Ras yn Erbyn Amser (Race against Time). Her intense training regime and victorious race can be seen during the series, which is broadcast on S4C every Thursday.
The 6633 Ultra is one of the toughest challenges on the planet. In the freezing Arctic setting, competitors are pushed to their physical and mental limits as they strive to complete the 350-mile endurance in only eight days. Competitors also had to pull fifty pounds’ worth of equipment on a sledge along the course.
Lowri completed the endurance challenge in a total of 174 hours and eight minutes and spent the last three days of the race competing against the elements and freezing conditions alone. Her fellow competitors had either finished at the 120 mile stage or been forced to retire at some point.
Lowri says: “It’s been a very personal battle – a physical, mental and emotional battle. After seven days of battling against the odds, I feel relieved and very happy with my achievements. Saying that, I don’t think I have an ounce of energy left in my body or mind. I can now understand why this is considered to be one of the hardest races on the planet with the continuous walking and running, the lack of sleep and loneliness all playing mind games throughout. It doesn’t matter how much preparation is done beforehand, there’s nothing to prepare you for the difficulty of the race. The way I coped with it was to keep my head down and take one step at a time.
“This is also the end of another chapter in my life and that is quite upsetting too. Pushing myself to the limits and finding those boundaries, exploring the world, making new friends and gaining new skills and experiences are very important things in life for me. At the moment, despite receiving offers to join amazing adventures, I want to go home and enjoy relaxing with my husband and family. But who knows what adventures lies ahead for me in life?”
Presenter Lowri is no stranger to tough challenges. In the past she’s taken on her share of extreme challenges and pushed herself to the very limit. Eighteen months ago, she even completed the Jungle Marathon in the Amazon. In the heat and humidity of the jungle, Lowri managed to finish the race in the top ten in her first ever ultra marathon.
For those who missed the first episode, viewers can catch-up online at s4c.co.uk/clic for up to 35 days after first transmission. Her journey to the Arctic Circle continues on Thursday 31 March at 20:25. English subtitles are available via the red button.
Lowri has been raising money for the Shelter Cymru charity during the race. You can continue to sponsor her by visiting the website: www.sheltercymru.org.uk
S4C is available on Sky Channel 134 in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland and Freesat Channel 120 in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Viewers outside Wales can also watch the series on S4C’s online catch up service, s4c.co.uk/clic for up to 35 days after the first transmission.
