SOUTH DOWNS 100

 

Approximately 275 runners will start out from Chilcomb Sports Ground just outside of Winchester in the hopes of traversing 100 miles on the South Downs Way, looking to reach Eastbourne before midday on the Sunday, the 30 hour cut off for the race.

 

I stayed over the night before at the nearby Holiday Inn, which worked perfectly as friends John, Steve, Tina, Dan and Roy had a room also. 

We checked in by 4pm and headed to registration and kit check for 6pm. This will then save time and rushing in the morning for the 6am start...

 

Morning Campers!

We arrive in time for quick catch up and photos with running friends and familiar ultra runners before listening in at the race briefing at 05:45

 

Race briefing by RD James and Team Leader Nici

 

Last minute nerves before the off

The start at 06:00 comes quickly and we set off for one lap around the field before meeting the South Downs Way behind the hedge rows. 

The sky is still clouded over with a humid feel, but a cool 15C. Temperatures later will reach 19C with plenty of sunshine and a breeze after 7am. 

 Miles 10-11 

It takes a good 20-30 minutes before the field starts to spread out and I can get into a comfortable pace. 

I try to keep an eye on how fast I am running and keep between 8:00-9:00min/mile to keep my energy in my legs. 

I power walk all the inclines saving my legs for the later stages of the day....

Somewhere near Exton  

At the first aid station I use my portable cup to have a few cups of water and thankntyw team before heading on my way again. I text Sunday my whereabouts so he can update my family. 

Within a few minutes I feel very damp and more so than usual on my back. After checking I can feel water dripping, so realise my bladder must have a leak. 

07:30

After the steep downhill section and through the next gate I take off my Montane pack to investigate further... Great I was right! A small hole by the seal on the screw cap. I am using a spare extra bladder that holds one litre. 

I have only used this bladder, once before on a shorter training run, so curse myself I didn't pack my 1.5L instead. I opted for the smaller one as I am carrying a 500ml bottle to mix electrolytes into. 

 

Mile 22 at Butser Hill. Heading towards Queen Elizabeth Country Park

I drink some more from the bladder and calculate I will be soon into QECP after climbing Buster Hill, so should be able to see if the crew can help with some tape.

9:30

I reach the next aid station at the park cafe and quickly ask one of the crew if they have tape for my leak...

They only seem to have masking tape used for the aid station and after an attempt, it will not stick onto the plastic. I can't see a familiar face in the crowd of spectators to ask if they may have medical tape. 

 

So I decide to try again at the next aid station which is some seven miles away... I text Sunday my troubles as I am leaving and to please bring my other bladder along to Washington when I see him. 

 

I graze on some cherry tomatoes, Brazil nuts and some cheese before refilling my carry bottle and sipping on some diluted coke as I walk up the steep track, following the markers into the woods.

 

 

 

 Just a little over halfway before deciding to call it a day!