2025 Lewes
The 100th Centurions’ 100 miles was promoted by Surrey Walking Club to celebrate their 125th anniversary and held at Lewes Leisure Centre on 16-17 August. Promoted by Surrey WC this year and hosted by Lewes AC it was held in cool and overcast conditions in marked contrast to the heat of the previous day and followed by clear skies and bright sunshine. Ideal conditions.
A third of the competitors were Dutch and Belgian and a significant increase in the number of GB participants made the prospect of new Centurion qualifiers a distinct possibility. Jonathan Hobbs C1212 took the lead from the gun and looked comfortable and determined, and attention was drawn to Bart de Vries of the Rotterdam club who looked strong and led a tracking group of half a dozen experienced walkers. Positions fluctuated throughout the first half of the race with four early departures around the 25 miles mark, followed by a number who reached 50 miles which they saw as a respectable time to withdraw as their times made completion of 100 miles in 24 hours difficult. As night fell so lap times slowed for many and despite determined efforts more walkers called time, some sensibly as their physical discomfort impeded progression.
However, as the race entered its 4th quarter so interest was heightened by determined walking from those in the middle order, such as newcomer Maraiker Wallace of Cambridge & Coleridge AC, Eric Boler from Minnesota, Sophie Watterson-Jones from the Isle of Man, and Loes van Bremen, RWV, who in particular was moving up the field. Extended periods of rest for Jonathan saw him drop to third place but a nighttime revival led to him regaining ground on competitors but Bart was still able to gain and maintain a strong lead with consistent pacing. After a good middle section, Andrew eventually had to contend with a strong-finishing Ignace Matthys C1190 and in the mix was Marco van Heel, RWV, with the experienced Frank van der Gulik a constant threat.
As lap times slowed so attendants and supporters gave encouragement and assessed what needed to be done to meet the 100 miles target. Early morning warmth helped but not enough for an increasing number to leave the track and as the end approached so only 9 completed the 100 miles in 24 hours. The winner being Bart de Vries in 21:11:36 with Jonathan C1212 second in 21:44:25 and Ignace Mattys C1190 from Belgium third in 22:53:58.
The event produced three new Centurions, 2 Dutch and 1 Belgian.
The Hew Neilson C145 trophy was awarded to Bart de Vries as new C1223, and the Brian Scrivens Memorial trophy to Loes van Bremen as first new woman Centurion C1225. Marco van Heek finished 5th and became new Centurion C1224. Jonathan retained the Hammond Trophy as the 1st existing Centurion, and also won the RWA Wilkinson Sword for his first place in the national championship. The Ken Smith Memorial trophy for the most meritorious performance was presented to Andrew Titley C1038.
The 100 lap challenge relay provided a lot of fun for all who took part, and with excellent commentary of the main race a successful conclusion.