Young Hearts Run Free Podcast Around Menorca in a oner with Viki Smith - Young Hearts Run Free Podcast - Season 13 Eps 17
Aug 1, 2025
01:36:31
From running round football pitches to running round a whole island, how does that happen? Join us as we talk to the incredible Viki Smith, who recently achieved "legend status" by running the entire circumference of Menorca! Viki shares her inspiring journey tackling the gruelling 185km (115-mile) Trail Menorca Camí de Cavalls race in May 2025.
From a casual holiday run to a full-blown ultra-marathon challenge, hear about the highs, the lows, and the sheer determination it took to complete this epic feat in just 34 hours and 51 minutes, finishing first in her V50 category.
We chat about:
- How a holiday run sparked the idea to take on Menorca's ancient horse path, the Camí de Cavalls.
- Viki talks about about the difficulty of a 185km ultra-marathon and the 100 days she had to prepare.
- The brutal beauty of the Camí de Cavalls, including its varied terrain (rocky, sandy, woodland), elevation changes (around 3500m D+), and facing over 10 hours of darkness.
- The moments of doubt and physical struggle, including wishing for running poles, and how Viki found the mental fortitude to keep going.
- The importance of her 'support team' Andy and Dale, in planning and executing this foreign racing adventure.
- The overwhelming emotion of completing the full circuit of Menorca and earning "legend status."
- What's next for Viki after conquering such a monumental challenge.
- Viki's advice for anyone considering taking on an ultra-marathon or a similar long-distance trail.