Dark places

From wild hallucinations to life-changing reflections, ultra riders share their unforgettable stories of endurance grit with James Shrubsall

How running across Australia pushed Jack Pitcher to breaking point

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Away from his day job as The National’s lugubrious frontman, MATT BERNINGER has reached back into his Ohio upbringing for a ruminative new solo record. But behind the childhood tales of gang fights, drowned train cars and Christmas tree farms lurks midlife melancholy. “I’m writing about trying to understand my own fear,” he tells Laura Barton

MALLE BEACH RACE

Adventure athlete Ross Edgley has carved out a niche with his treacherous open-water swims. His next feat? A90-day lap of the Icelandic coast. MH suits up for a training session