Left to right on the start line at Overton Hill: Andy Swift, Amanda Carter, Robin Carter, Jon Kinder, Julie Smith, Mark Rogerson, Bill Southgate, Alan Eccleston. Steve Leach took the photo.
Often described as Britain’s oldest road, the Ridgeway has been in constant use for at least 5,000 years. Originally part of a much longer trail which crossed the entire country, today the Ridgeway is now a national trail stretching 86 miles from Overton Hill near Avebury, Wiltshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire. To achieve the obligatory distance of 100 miles, the route was extended by adding a section of the Grand Union Canal, finishing south of Milton Keynes.
A team of 9 took part in the challenge which took place on the 21/22 September 2012. Starting on the Friday evening at 6:30pm, the 86 miles to the end of the Ridgeway was completed in around 19 hours and the full 100 miles in a time of 21:35. Excluding time stopped at checkpoints for food and drinks, the actual running time was 19:04, an average speed of 5.3 m.p.h.
Jon Kinder and Robin Carter both completed the full 100 mile distance with the rest of the team running sections with them. Alan Eccleston and Steve Leach shared the minibus driving duties and Julie Smith provided the all important catering support.
Rolls-Royce Harriers Running Club
The Ridgeway 21-22 September 2012
100 miles in 21 hours 35 minutes