Sarah Perry racing The Hill ultramarathon in the dark

The Hill is one of the world's craziest ultramarathons.

Staged recently - for the first time in five years - the challenge saw runners attempt to complete 56 gruelling laps up and down The Wrekin (Shropshire, England) inside 48 hours.

From the 24 who set off in the pouring night-time rain, Sarah Perry was the sole finisher, completing all 160 miles in just over 47 hours. Her total ascent up the rocky trail 56 times was approximately 47,000ft (more than 1.5 x Mount Everest).

The challenge followed a set of strict rules that meant runners were largely self-sufficient. No poles, headphones, outside assistance, crew, pacers or supporters were allowed.

Runners were only permitted to stop for a maximum of 30 minutes at a time in the base hut, situated at the foot of each lap. Each ascent took them to the 1,335ft summit.

For INOV8 athlete Sarah, it was a second big win in just six weeks following her success at the Backyard Ultra World Championships when she set a new women’s world record of 95 laps / 395 miles.

Photographer David Miller as at The Hill and shares with us a collection of his favourite photos.

Sarah Perry touching the trig point during last light.Sarah Perry touching the trig point during last light.

Sarah Perry touching the trig point during last light.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.

Runners gathering at the bottom of the Hill in the pouring rain - waiting for the event to start.Runners gathering at the bottom of the Hill in the pouring rain - waiting for the event to start.

Runners gathering at the bottom of The Hill in the pouring rain - waiting for the event to start.

The venue, the Wrekin - it dominates the views of mid Shropshire near the new town of Telford.The venue, the Wrekin - it dominates the views of mid Shropshire near the new town of Telford.

The venue, The Wrekin - it dominates the views of mid-Shropshire near the new town of Telford.

Red sky at night…Red sky at night…

Red sky at night…

This Way, That Way. But 56 times.This Way, That Way. But 56 times.

This Way, That Way. But 56 times.

A classic ultra runners scene. You know the one? At a checkpoint where you question what you’ve signed up for?A classic ultra runners scene. You know the one? At a checkpoint where you question what you’ve signed up for?

A classic ultra scene. At a checkpoint where you question what you’ve signed up for.

See how far you’ve come? Enjoy this moment and enjoy the view before the light fades and you’re surrounded by darkness.See how far you’ve come? Enjoy this moment and enjoy the view before the light fades and you’re surrounded by darkness.

See how far you’ve come? Enjoy the view before the light fades and you’re surrounded by darkness.

The Hill.The Hill.

The Hill.

Sarah Perry gliding down the Hill ready to turn around and do it all again.Sarah Perry gliding down the Hill ready to turn around and do it all again.

Sarah Perry gliding down The Hill ready to turn around and do it all again.

Sometimes Christmas comes early. Tis the season to push your body through what’s humanly possible!Sometimes Christmas comes early. Tis the season to push your body through what’s humanly possible!

Sometimes Christmas comes early. 'Tis the season to push your body to its limit.

I took a walk in the woods and come out taller than the trees.I took a walk in the woods and come out taller than the trees.

I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.

Be The Light!Be The Light!

Be The Light!

David MillerDavid Miller

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