1979 Ewhurst 100 miles
1979 The Surrey “100” Open Road Walk; Programme
The Ewhurst 100 was held on 23rd-24th June, but before the race was even started there had been problems which led to articles being published in the national press.
Ann Sayer C599 and Dianne Pegg C608 had been refused entry by the Surrey Walking Club on the grounds that there were insufficient facilities to accommodate ladies at the Ewhurst venue, and had they accepted their entries they would have to accept entries from a host of continental females as well. Whether or not this was the true reason, one will never know. A late entry was however, accepted from Dave Boxall C464 who had previously withdrawn having been selected for a 2 day race in France, which was cancelled 2 days before it was due to take place. A total of 107 men, the greatest number ever, started the race, one of them would fall foul of the judges on the first 10 mile lap.
The early leader was Derek Harrison C466, but he was overtaken at 50 miles by Dave Boxall who went on to score his fifth British win. 77, another new record, completed the race, 37 of them for the first time.