As I take time at the beginning of 2019 to reflect on the past year, there is one experience that stands out amongst the rest.

In October, I was lucky enough to volunteer to be a part of the crew out in the desert for the 2018 Wadi Rum Ultra (now Ultra X Jordan).

With the exception of avidly tracking nutty friends from the confines of a desk in the past, my experience of ultra marathons had been minimal before my arrival in Amman airport. I did wonder if I was going to be a particularly useful addition to the crew (I am an accountant… not sure how many runners were keen to discuss their tax return halfway through the race) but I was promised an unforgettable week, in an epic location, with amazing people. Ultra X Jordan did not disappoint.

The crew’s main role during the week was to be there as a general support for the runners. During the race, there were checkpoints every 10km and we were on hand to provide water, encouragement and any medical support. During the evenings the crew were in camp, helping out with any organisation for the following day or any preparations the runners were making.

Each day we would see the runners off and then drive along the course to set up each checkpoint. I had wondered if it would get a bit boring – spending hours a day sitting with a gazebo – but the Wadi Rum Desert is one of the most spectacular places I have ever been and it was very exciting waiting for each runner to appear over the nearest dune.

The nature of the event meant that I got to know all of the runners well, and found myself really invested in their progress. Quickly I got to know who liked to sit down and have a good catch up, who liked to grab water and power on, and who liked to have a rendition of S-Club 7’s “Reach for the Stars” to serenade them each time they headed off into the desert.