Man Tests

‘It had long ago ceased to be a giddy adventure. It was all mulchy bog, heather and rocks. And tired, aching legs. And then Ty said something that really struck a chord.

“It’s a Man Test now, lads. Just finish it.”

I got it immediately. Finishing the race was no longer about being fit, or a good runner, or map-reading, it was about putting up with wind, rain, pain and misery. It was about traditiona...