Chris runs ultras

The London to Brighton Challenge, organised by Action Challenge, is a demanding 100 km foot race that starts in Richmon, London and ends in Brighton.

With an elevation gain of approximately 1500 metres, the course features a mix of road and trail. Notably, there is significantly more road compared to typical ultra races. The majority of the first half and about half of the second half of the course consists of road running.

Participants can choose to complete the race as a single continuous event or spread it across two days. There are also 25 km, 50 km, and 75 km distance options along the same route. I chose to tackle the full 100 km in a single continuous effort.

While tracking is available, it only records check-ins at the aid stations rather than providing live GPS tracking. 

This race was the best-organised running event I have attended.

The route was well-marked, so I didn’t need to consult the route map on my watch at all. The aid stations were also exceptional—large, with ample seating, toilets, and a wide variety of hot and cold food options.

For all the above reasons, this race is very inclusive, and a great option for all kinds of runners and walkers, and there were a lot! 1600 runners and walkers took part in the event over the two days, and the event raised £750,00.00 for various charities.

My own race went relatively well overall. However, I made the common mistake of running the first marathon too quickly, finishing it in about 4.5 hours, and I nearly bonked. I spent extra time at the midpoint aid station (around 56 km) to recover before continuing.

I had to remind myself that this race was not about being quick, it was just about completing (like the rest of my races this year). 

I took some learning from the Brighton backyard ultra that I completed two weeks ago. I could eat my way to victory! As the race went on I focused on my nutrition and increased my calorie intake considerably. 

At the midpoint checkpoint I ate hot Bolognaise, and a couple of aid stations later I ate a freshly heated Pepperoni pizza. Then there was the usual cakes, bananas, salty crisps, fizzy drinks, plus my own Precision Fuel & Hydration 90g carb gels and High5 gels that I consumed throughout.

As the race progressed, I felt much better in the second half and even stronger than in the first half. I maintained a slow pace and took long breaks at the aid stations. I finished feeling relatively strong, except for a sore left foot from an aggressively steep downhill run a few days before the race. 

My knee also began to ache from the halfway point onwards, but some Paracetamol helped alleviate the pain. Now, a couple of days later, it is feeling much better.

Overall, the London to Brighton Challenge was an incredibly well-organized and enjoyable event, and I would highly recommend it to runners and walkers of all levels. Whether you’re looking to push your limits or simply enjoy a scenic route for a good cause, this race offers something for everyone.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11497452757