NORTH DOWNS WAY ONE HUNDRED

The race begins in Farnham at the Western end of the North Downs. The course works its way through some of the best of the English countryside before traveling through the small village of Puttenham and on to Guildford. It then continues on to Ranmore Common before the steepest climb of the race up to the top of Box Hill. The trail then drops down the other side and back up to Reigate Hill, on through Merstham to Oxted and a further 8 miles to Knockholt Pound and the 50 mile point at the outermost edge of Greater London. The course then travels on through Wrotham and Holly Hill before crossing the Medway Bridge. The final 25 miles see runners travel South East towards Dover running the majority on trails, paying brief visits to the villages of Detling, Hollingbourne, Harrietsham and Charing before dropping down into Wye and the finish. A total climb of 9,930ft and overall elevation change of 20,000ft, making this one of the toughest 100 mile events in the South East.

-Centurion Running

Like last year I stayed over in Horsham at the parents as it is about 50 minutes drive to Farnham from theirs. 

A very early 03:00 start with my usual race choice breakfast of avocado, then strong coffee with butter, coconut oil and cream. 

Everyone at the ready

The roads are clear and damp from a misty foggy night. The air feels thick and humid, just like the SDW100 in June. 

I am wearing a race vest again with my compression tights, Inov-08 Talon trail shoes and matching Ultra race pack. 

Shawn chilling

Like last time we stop by the Travelodge to collect ultra running friend Shawn. He is already in reception with all his drop bags and kit ready for us when we arrive. 

Just five minutes later by 05:00 and in good time we are at the race registration in Farnham. 

05:30 Race Briefing

Walk to the start

218 runners tow the start line today, in the hope of reaching the finish in Wye, Kent within the next 30 hours. I wish Shawn all the best and make my way down nearer the front of the trail for the beginning...

The Trail Head. Photo by Susie Chan

06:00 THE START
FARNHAM TO BOXHILL 
The actual route is diverted for the first half mile as road works are in use, so this will be extra miles to the 100 today! 

Misty Sunrise

Mile 14 finding my strong

Newlands Corner

St Martha's (photo Shawn Timmons)

Went slightly off track and added few more miles in the woods, trying to find the trail and markers again near Ranemore Common.

Getting too warm out in the sun and frustrated with my error of judgement going off route...

The Stepping Stones Box Hill

25 Miles. Looking to Surrey and Sussex from the top

Tripped and fell scraping my arm

BOXHILL TO KNOCKHALT

Reigate climb with the cheerleader

31 Miles. The spread at Reigate Hill

Got to catch up with crew mum Alma and Sunday (who volunteered here) my folks and John.

Heading to Caterham

Getting too hot...

Cows on the track

Heading to Botley Hill

KNOCKHALT TO BLUEBELL HILL

63 Miles. Sunset near Holy Hill

Long stretches of Field and Woodland

Mile 72. View from the Medway Bridge

The day ends...

76 Miles. The A Team at Bluebell Hill

DNF AGAIN

I decided to call it a day once reaching Bluebell Hill. My ankles were done and I can feel the familiar tightness and strain from my tendons again. Same spot as when did the Thames Ring back in June, so I know the warning signs well. 

With overheating and feeling sick from the sun, going off route too many times then the ankles. It wasn't my day to finish and I wasn't in that mindset to be able to. I would risk further injuries if I continue and a slow death march of walking, which I see no point in putting myself through.

I have learnt with very long endurance events that if too many things are against you it is 50/50 if you will make it to the finish or not. I gave it a very good effort and pleased I did stick it out for so long, but even to get here was such a struggle and took much mental strength to fight onwards. 

I have had so many smooth and enjoyable races where everything pieces together nicely to the finish. Today was not one of those good days and I have another DNF, making that two this year. Always a blow and dissapointment, yet these bad days are an indicator how tough and hard running so long can be. My mind, body and soul feels depleted and burnt out.

Time to reflect and take some time out.

North Downs have beat me this year!