Winter Downs 100 2024 Race Report

This was the inaugural edition of the Winter Downs 100, a race that begins at Amberley Museum, 100 miles around the Winter Downs 200 course and traverses the second half to finish like it's longer partner, at Juniper Hall. Limited to 80 starters in this first year, the race kicked off in overcast and slightly drizzly conditions at 1400. The major challenge aside from the obvious length and underfoot conditions is the sheer amount of darkness. Within 90 minutes, the gloom had left and night had fallen and for some towards the front of the pack, they would cross the line before even seeing the sun rise. 

Whilst it is set up to be a major winter challenge as well as a stepping stone for those moving from our regular season 100s up to the 200, the 35 hour cut off and fairly moderate climb and descent make this an achievable proposition for those with an eye on good planning and steely determination. 

Winter 100 2024 Race Start

Out the front of the mens race, Geoff Cheshire and Matt Duckett traded blows for at least the first 80 miles before Geoff finally began to shift gears. He is good in muddy conditions as we found out when he blitzed his way through thick mud to a TP100 win in 2023 and he powered home to win in 15:44. Matt crossed the line second in 16:28, a significant 100 mile PB. Third was taken by Benjamin Hall in 17:50. Three fine times to kick this race off with. 

Geoff Cheshire

In the womens, it was pre-race favourite Laura Watts who has bags of long distance experience under her belt, who set the early pace and forged out a significant gap over Kasia Atmaca in second. But suffering with some stomach issues in the third quarter, Kasia began to close and at Puttenham, the third of the three check points and with around 20 miles to go, Kasia just caught sight of Laura. But the fire was lit and Laura managed to find just enough to hold on and make it home first in a time of 22:46. Kasia took second just 9 minutes back in a fine performance and third was taken by the ever consistent Paula Bedford. 

Laura Watts

Just 15 runners dropped over the course of the race making it one of the highest finish percentages we have ever had at a Centurion 100 miler, which goes to show that despite the objective difficulty, with proper planning and preparation this is a superb winter target for those looking for a wilder, darker and tougher 100. 

Winter Downs 100 Day 2 

In the age categories, Laura Watts also took the FV40 prize. First FV50 was Paula Bedford and first FV60 went to Darla Crispin in 33:10 - a phenomenal run from her.

The mens V40 award went to Geoff the race winner. First MV50 was Julian Wareham in 25:04 and first MV60 was Andre Tschernatsch in 30:45.

The race returns in 2025 with a Friday start (12th December 2025) and we look forward to seeing this event grow to be a classic in its own right.