Erica Clarkson is set to make a world record by running an ultra-marathon on a running track for the greatest number of consecutive days. She has decided to run 50km in a day, which is equivalent to 124.4 laps of the 400m track, for 12 days in a row in October. Erics has contacted the Guinness World Record for the Meno Ultras to raise consciousness and bring out the benefits of exercise for midlife women. She said, “People probably think I am mad but I would describe myself as mildly eccentric perhaps.”

Get To Know Erica Clarkson

Erica Clarkson is a 48-year-old civil servant bearing the responsibility of the Scottish Islands. She is married and lives with her husband Adam, who is a music teacher and they have a 12-year-old son, Woody.

She proclaims to be in perimenopause, a menopause tradition which begins several years before the actual menopause begins. Erica further added, “I suffered with a variety of perimenopausal symptoms including night sweats, tiredness, brain fog and very changeable moods. I also had really sore hips and a recurring niggle in my neck.”

But since she started running, her condition has gotten much better. She has also started her Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Her night sweats have reduced and hip and neck pain vanished! But the most significant change has been in her moods. Erica says she feels much calmer and peaceful.

The Guinness World Record

There is a fixed criterion set by the Guinness World Record for females who want to attempt to create a world record by running an ultra-marathon distance of 50km on the most consecutive days. The set rules tend to put some pressure on the contestant and hence, being vigilant at all times while running is very important.

The Training Process

Erica is an active member of the running group- Team Pyllon and is coached by James Stewart who himself is a GB 24-hour runner and a Scotland 100k internationalist. She is also a part of the group led by Kieron Ross called Race Fitness based in Edinburgh. Apart from that, Erica is also an ambassador for the GB Ultras. She has made a lot of friends in this community and wants to complete this challenge for them as well.

Erica is sponsored by her local leisure centre, The Pickaquoy Centre in Kirkwall where she completes four gym and weights sessions every week.

Challenges Faced

Running circles on a round track for such long hours can become very monotonous, thereby leading to a loss of spirit and determination. But Erica has been working on staying mentally strong to beat this challenge. She intends to break down each day into small chunks so that it gets easy to cope with the challenges.

Moreover, she has a wonderful array of supporters and well-wishers including the ultra-running legend Orcadian William Sichel, who motivate her to keep pushing forward.

A Setback

Erica was set to start with the challenge in early summer but an unfortunate gut infection landed her in the hospital. This left her no choice but to rest. Now, she plans to work for the West Highland Way Race that is to be held in June, and then continue with her preparation for the Meno Ultras which will start in October.