Polegate Plodders duo beat the heat to complete Centurion challenge

With the coronavirus pandemic bringing local events to a halt, race organisers have been finding innovative ways to keep runners of all abilities engaged.

Centurion organise ultra-races nationwide, such as the South Downs Way 50. Runners were given a choice of distances, ranging from 5k to 100 miles, and had a week to complete the challenge and record the times.

Runners were able to complete their distances in one go or spread out over the week.

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Regular marathon runner Fortmann completed the 100 mile challenge in 4 days 2 hours and 38 minutes. Plodders Chairman Skinner originally entered the 50 mile challenge but having been inspired by fellow runners, completed the 100 mile challenge in 6 days 2 hours and 21 minutes.

Skinner said: “Just over 2 years ago, I damaged my knee and was told by a specialist that I would never run again.

“But with a little bit of help from an NHS Physio and Sue Fry, a local sports massage therapist, I have managed with lots of willpower to get back into running. Marco inspired me to do the 100 mile challenge and I finished the week on 108 miles.”

Marco explained: “With the hot weather, it has meant 4:30am starts to beat the heat. I finished the week with 110 miles which is double my average and overall, I finished the month of May with 295 miles.”

Over 3000 runners took the part in the event nationwide and 10% of the race fee was donated to NHS Charities Together.