by Thia Malan | Oct 15, 2023 | blog and race reports
My baby dragon called ‘Heatwave’ The victory Let me clarify to avoid misunderstanding or confusion. I DID NOT WIN THE RACE. That amazing achievement belongs to Robyn Cassidy, who is one amazing and incredible runner. So what was my victory? I could write a...
by Thia Malan | Sep 22, 2023 | blog and race reports
How did I get here? It’s 5am on Monday 4 September, almost time for Dragon’s Back Race 2023. I am waiting for Barney to give me a ride from Llandudno to Conwy Castle. Barney is Peter O’Kane’s cousin. I am very grateful to the O’Kanes for...
by Thia Malan | May 9, 2022 | blog and race reports
Long distance footpaths There are a number of long distance footpaths in the United Kingdom. It is a great country for hikers to explore. There might not be much wilderness or wildlife left, but there are plenty of wide open spaces and expansive vistas to enjoy. The...
by Thia Malan | Jan 8, 2022 | blog and race reports
I spent 2020 in a battle with the UK Home Office to get my husband across the border. Running helped me to fight the darkness and despair of this journey. I spent 2021 running monthly challenges in support of The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants. In this...
by Thia Malan | Dec 31, 2021 | blog and race reports
I am running monthly challenges in 2021 to fundraise for the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) donate to my justgiving page Not being able to run is probably a runner’s biggest challenge. This December brought me one of those...
by Thia Malan | Nov 26, 2021 | blog and race reports
I am running monthly challenges in 2021 to fundraise for the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) Donate to my justgiving page In November 2020, I ran a self-directed marathon on Gower with three friends. That’s what lockdown rules...
by Thia Malan | Nov 8, 2021 | blog and race reports
I chose Park Run as my October running challenge for JCWI, thinking it would be easy after my Ultra marathon indulgence of September. The lesson I learnt: underestimate Park Run at your peril! I am running monthly challenges in 2021 to fundraise for...
by Thia Malan | Oct 23, 2021 | blog and race reports
Today, exactly six weeks ago, was the first day after completing four days of the Montane Dragon’s Back Race 2021. That’s how far I got this time. Since then, I have been living in the aftermath of this Ultramarathon indulgence. I did not complete the...
by Thia Malan | Sep 16, 2021 | blog and race reports
Montane Dragon’s Back Race: what, where, how, who? Read what the Dragon’s Back Race is all about on the event website. Here I tell my story. Dragon’s Back Race Day 0: Cardiff to Conwy It is Sunday 5 September 2021 and the last day before the start of...
by Thia Malan | Aug 31, 2021 | blog and race reports
I am running monthly challenges in 2021 to fundraise for the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) donate to my justgiving page The countdown to day 1 of the Dragon’s Back Race is almost over. The next few days will hold the final...