The penultimate Ultra Marathon Run and what excitement there was as we approached Ripon knowing that there was only one more move after this one.

We were well received by 21 Regt Royal Engineers and within minutes of arrival had received a full brief on the format for the next day and the route of the run.

Accommodation sorted we sat down to the last of Ray’s meals and he again did us proud with an excellent lamb stew. He has indeed been the domestic God on this trip and the delights he can produce from minimal ingredients and limited space are amazing. He also does a very mean breakfast porridge.

Andy did not have a good night’s sleep, which was nothing to do with the accommodation which was fine, just a few nerves and adrenalin made him restless. However, as ever he arrived at the RV with a big smile on his face looking forward to the challenge ahead.

A number of friends and colleagues turned up to run with Andy as did a number of 21 Engr Regt RE who had relays to keep him company. He was also joined today by Sophie Vowden and Jim Duffy, both of whom had set themselves the target of running a marathon.

The start was amazing as we had both the Mayor of Ripon and the Mayor of Harrogate in attendance – please don’t ask me why – but they were both welcome.

The Mayor of Ripon Cllr Mick Stanley started the run with a starting pistol and Andy and the runners ran out of the camp along roads lined with the members of the Regiment cheering them on their way.

It was an excellent way to start the penultimate run and even more appealing was that they were there on his return at the end of the run, as were the kids from the St James’ Church Primary School from Bradford, who managed to get an interview with Andy at the end.

Andy had a good run and enjoyed the company of all those that took the trouble and travelled long distances to be with him. His time of 6:31:41 was very respectable as was Sophie’s and Jim’s successful completion of their marathon.