17/08/2026
After first hearing about the Stour Valley Path Ultra Marathon from fellow RHS alumni at the 2025 Remembrance Weekend, Josie Ruffles (Raleigh, 2020) decided it sounded like a challenge worth taking on!
The self-navigated trail race through the Suffolk countryside proved tough from the start, with hills, heat and even a few bonus kilometres after taking a wrong turn!
But what made the challenge particularly special was the support along the route. Josie was joined by a brilliant RHS contingent, with Toby Ruffles (Cornwallis, 2018), Ruby Parker (Raleigh, 2018), Isabella Butler (Anson, 2020), Katie Pugh (Raleigh, 2020), Olivia Holt (Anson, 2020), Nicholas Males (Cornwallis, 2020), Fred Kilham (Drake, 2020) and Libby Parker (Raleigh, 2019) all turning out to cheer her on.
Reflecting on the experience, she said, “Completing this ultra marathon highlighted to me just how resilient I am and that you can push your body further than you might think possible to achieve your goals. It also highlighted just how lucky I am to have such a supportive family and incredible friendship group.”
From a difficult first 11 miles to crossing the finish line around sunset, it was an incredible achievement and she is already hoping to take on another ultra marathon in 2027!