What I’ll be wearing to run the South West Coastal Path

The ASICS Coast Ultra Xtreme, supported by SportsShoes (October 7th-9th, 2022) is a UK 3-day ultra-running challenge, from VOTWO events providing a unique experience to athletes looking to push themselves to new limits on an achievable course in a supportive environment.

Now in its 17th year, it is the more windswept and, some might say, interesting younger sibling of the Jurassic Coast Challenge. The route starts near Padstow and finishes at Lands End. Competitors must complete up to 78.6 miles (3 marathons) over 3 days by walking, running or crawling, putting their mental and physical prowess against some of the wildest coastlines in Britain.  

We spoke to ASICS Front Runner Sonny Peart to find out what kit he'll be wearing to tackle this ultra-distance trail race on England's famous South West Coastal Path.

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This is my second time running the ASICS Atlantic Coast Challenge. Last year I was stunned by the beauty of the trail, especially as the weather was warm and bright on the day I ran. This year I’m running three days, and the weather looks likely to be more changeable. Footwear and kit choices will be particularly important. Poor kit can derail a race.

My go-to trail shoe this year is the ASICS Gel Trabuco 10. Light, but supportive, with a great rock plate and reassuringly grippy sole, without being too aggressive. I’ve enjoyed its comfort in Snowdonia, the Alps, and the Peak District. I trust it to get me to Land’s End blister-free. The kit list for ACC rightly includes a waterproof top, and with some rain forecast, this is not the year to cut corners. I’ll have my ASICS FujiTrail Waterproof Jacket, which with Pertex construction and taped seams passes kit check, and I can trust to keep me warm and dry when I’m on the move. The ASICS Fujitrail T-shirt and the ASICS Fujitrail shorts both have great trail running features. I love the 2-in-1 short design, which removes any chafing issues. Both the t-shirts and short have plenty of easily accessible pockets, for gels and litter – making it easy to stay fuelled and leave the trails as I find them.

All my extra kit will be in my ASICS Fujitrail hydration vest. I’ve lost track of how many hundreds of miles I’ve run with this pack. Partly because it fits so well with virtually no movement. Plenty of room for mandatory kit and the poles I’ll be taking for those steep climbs and ascents.

Now, if only I could retrospectively find a consistent training block…

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Sonny Peart is a trail and ultra-runner based in London.  He has competing in a dozen marathons and over a dozen ultra-marathons.  He is the co-founder and Trustee of the Black Trail Runners, a community and campaign charity that works to increase the participation, inclusion and representation of black people in trail running.

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