Barton & District AC member Graham Lawrence returned to the Isle of Man this summer to take on the infamous “No Rest For The Wicked” challenge – six races in seven days across road, trail, hills and everything in between.
Having sworn he’d never attempt it again after 2023, Graham found himself back on the start line this year, bookending the week with Nobles parkrun at Conrhenny, a plantation course with even more elevation added in for good measure.
Despite a tougher field in 2025, Graham rose to the challenge, finishing 15th overall out of 91 (🥉 in his age category), running eight minutes faster than his previous attempt, even though this meant dropping five places compared to last time.
Race BY RACE
Race 1 – Ramsey Half Marathon
Targeting 1:35, Graham came home in 1:34, leaving a little in the tank for the gruelling week ahead. Even so, the early benchmark was set, with age category leaders already 18 minutes clear.
Race 2 – Peel Trail Run
A brutal 4.5km course with 200m of elevation in the first 2km. With overtaking nearly impossible, Graham made sure to get into the front pack early. At one point it was hands-and-knees climbing to the top!
Race 3 – Ramsey 10k
Back on the road but in baking heat and humidity, this was the low point of the week. Heavy legs and a time below expectations made it a grind to get through.
Race 4 – The Killer Mile
Nicknamed the “rest day,” but anything but restful – one mile, 106m of climbing across fields. “Tougher than I remembered,” Graham admitted, and even had to walk a short stretch.
Race 5 – Foxdale 5 Miler
Cooler conditions and a return to form. Another hilly road race (126m elevation), but with a fast downhill finish Graham powered through and moved up a place in the league table.
Race 6 – Peel Trail 11k
The final challenge: mixed terrain with gravel, grass, road, and a coastal path to finish. Graham dug in, held onto 15th overall, and crossed the line with the hard-earned race T-shirt in hand.
rEFLECTIONS
From road half marathons to near-vertical climbs, the No Rest For The Wicked series lives up to its name. Graham’s grit and consistency saw him improve his overall time by a remarkable eight minutes on 2023, with a well-deserved age-group podium finish.
Well done, Graham – a brilliant performance representing BADAC on one of the UK’s most challenging multi-day race series! 👏
