For some people realising Christmas is just round the corner comes when they see neighbours putting up decorations just that little bit early.

Or when one of those syrupy adverts produced by multi-national conglomerates drops to wild acclaim, proclaiming peace and joy while keeping their tills ringing.

But for me, that realisation arrives somewhere around the end of day two of the Capital to Country Ultra Marathon.

It has that feeling of the hard work having been done and the home straight being in sight, even though our runners still have three days of traversing through the Himalayan foothills to go.

Happily, they all completed day two in fine fettle, taking on a chilly morning to emerge into what was a bright day.

As ever the course was stunning, as they ran 23 miles via the stunning Dhuikhel viewpoint.

The sense of achievement among them is palpable, as is the joy of having accomplished something hard.

It’s not something you can bottle… or even package up in even the most carefully crafted Christmas advert!

If our Nepalese adventure has got you excited for ultra marathons, we hold four events throughout the year in the UK. The first, Country to Capital, takes places in January ans is selling out fast – find out more and book your place now.

Pictures below are by Adrian Howes Photography