Best 100 mile races for beginners in the UK
Despite being limited by time, we are continuing to want to run longer and longer distances and wondering how to cram ultramarathon training into our busy lives. The trajectory of many ultrarunners' careers remains to be claiming that 100 mile race buckle yet despite this, we still overestimate the amount of time truly required to train and never quite fully realise what we are truly capable of.
The duration of a 100 mile race means you’ll almost be guaranteed to be running through the night, without stopping to sleep. This in itself is an almost unique situation for many runners and for women this raises the question of safety on the trails.
Many women are nervous about being in remote places and running in the dark alone, so if you are curious about stepping up to the 100-mile distance, finding an ultra distance trail event organiser who can highlight safety measures such such as trackers, route markings, female volunteers on aid stations, providing pacers and withdrawal procedures can help you gain confidence to make the leap.
This is where Centurion Running comes in. Centurion was founded by James Elson and their inaugural event was held in August 2011 on the North Downs Way. I first discovered Jame’s events in 2014, when I entered my first 100-mile race, the Thames Path 100. The TP100 is a 100 mile continuous trail race along the Thames Path from London to Oxford.
Today, Centurion are focused on 50 miles and 100 miles non-stop events that give runners the opportunity to run some of the most scenic and challenging trails in the UK in a fully supported race format where both racing and finishing are encouraged in equal measures. This year even saw the addition of a 50KM event to their race roster.
I have participated in or coached athletes across the finish lines of each of the below events and truly believe that Centurion hosts the best 100 mile races for beginners in the UK.
1. Thames Path 100
The TP100 Is a 100 Mile Continuous Trail Race Along the Thames Path From London to Oxford. The 100 mile course is a marked point to point race which takes runners from Richmond in South West London to the centre of Oxford.
The course follows the meandering route of the Thames against its flow and is flat and fast with the majority on groomed paths/ trails and paved pathways. There are some truly stunning sections of the route showing off the best of English riverside scenery and life on the Thames.
2. South Downs Way 100
The SDW100 is a 100 mile foot race taking in the entire south downs way national trail. The south downs boast stunning rolling hills, ancient forts, picturesque villages and expansive views across Southern england.
The course travels along the chalk ridgeway, starting just outside of Winchester, the capital city of Saxon England and heading due east until the trail ends in Eastbourne. The South Downs tower over Southern England affording runners awe inspiring views north across the Weald and south across the coast and the Channel.
3. North Downs Way 100
The NDW100 is a 100 mile continuous trail run along the north downs way. The course travels from Farnham in the surrey hills to Ashford in Kent.
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 travelling through the small village of Puttenham and on to Guildford. It then continues on to Ran more Common before the steepest climb of the race up to the top of Box Hill. 3.
4. Autumn 100
The Autumn 100 is a 100 mile continuous trail race based in the twinned villages of Goring & Streatley on the river Thames. The course reflects the shape of a cross and takes runners on a series of 4 different 25 mile out and back spurs using sections of both the ridgeway and Thames path national trails.
Runners will depart from and make their way to Little Wittenham on the first out and back section on the Thames Path. On returning to Goring, runners will be faced with the more challenging but beautiful second spur of the course, out to Swyncombe Farm on the Ridgeway before returning to Goring a second time. Spur three takes runners west on the Ridgeway to Chain Hill before returning to Goring for the final leg on the Thames Path to Reading and returning for their 100 mile finish.