Gutting news from the 3 UltraSummits TihioRace 250km, as Islands favourite Nikki Arthur has been forced to withdraw from the race before it has even begun, not through injury or illness, but through a frustrating sequence of travel misfortune that would test the resolve of even the toughest ultra runner.

Arthur's troubles began on Monday morning when thick fog blanketed her island home, preventing planes from landing and forcing her to rebook everything for Tuesday. With a tight connection window at Gatwick in her sights, she arrived at the airport full of hope only to find her 10am flight didn't get off the ground until just before noon. By the time she landed at Gatwick, her connecting flight to Greece had already departed, and no alternative routing would have got her to the Phocis region of Greece in time for the race start. With a heavy heart, she contacted the organisers to confirm she would not be on the start line in Tihio Doridos.

It is a desperately disappointing outcome for Arthur, who had been among the most anticipated competitors in this stunning 250km mountain race through the Greek highlands. Anyone who knows Nikki, however, will not be surprised by what happened next.

After sitting with the disappointment (as any athlete must) she made a decision entirely in keeping with her character: turn the training block into something special. This Friday, she will set off on a solo attempt around the 100-mile Raad Ny Foillan, the iconic coastal footpath that circles her island home, targeting a finish time of under 19 hours.

More details on that attempt will follow shortly, and live tracking will be available so supporters can follow her progress in real time. If you fancy joining Nikki for any part of the route, get in touch, she would welcome the company.

As for the 3 UltraSummits TihioRace itself, the action is very much underway in Greece, and Nikki has sent her warmest wishes to every athlete who made it to the start line. "Safe and adventurous journey to you all," she says - the mark of a true sportswoman.

Perhaps we will see her on that start line in Tihio Doridos in 2027. Something tells us she will be back.

For more information on the 3 UltraSummits TihioRace 250km, visit https://en.tihiorace.gr/races/3-ultrasummits-tihiorace