14 May 15 by James Elson

NDW50 Preview

This years NDW50 comes hot off of the back of the TP100 just two weeks prior. Conditions underfoot are currently dry and fast and we're expecting another superb race from some of the runners below. As always please leave a comment with anyone you think could feature at the sharp end but has been missed.....!

Men's Field

Craig Holgate: Flying the flag in yellow, the Centurion Ultra Team Runner and existing Course Record Holder, it's hard to look past Craig for another win here. However that comes with a caveat.... Two weeks ago Craig ran the ACP 100km representing England where he came home in 7:01. With this so close behind he will be treating it very much as a B race and in preparation for some other projects this summer. Craig being Craig however he will want to run his best whatever his legs may tell him. Only one person has ever come within 20 minutes of his 6:47 in 2013. Hopefully he can threaten his own best.

Davide Grazielli: One of the nicest guys in Ultra Running and a true fan of the sport, residing in Italy Davide has been getting stronger over recent years with some superb performances. He ran 2nd at SDW100 in 2013 (having driven to the race from Italy after his flight was cancelled!!!!), 4th at Lakeland 100 last year, 3rd at 100 miles Sud De France and a win at Quadrifoglio Raidlight Ultratrail della Val Taro 100 Km. He's the man to watch behind Craig for sure.

Bartolo Mora: Another Italian who finished 5th at the SDW100 in 2013 and who's resume is a list of top 10's at trail races from all over Europe in recent years. 

Oliver Sinclair: Ollie's Ultra Running career has consisted of impressive results from as far back as 2007. Some of his win's have come at Caesars Camp 50 and CTS events, but two more notables - his victory at the Pilgrims Way on this very trail and until recently his record breaking win at Hardmoors 55. If Olllie is in shape he is going to be right there in the thick of it. 

Dan Afshar: Dan has been around for a long time in the sport and has some good results behind him. He was right out front of the NDW50 in 2013, but spiralled back to 15th after a rough section after Box Hill. Can he hold on to a more even race this time.

Ladies

Gemma Carter: Gemma has a 6th in 2011, a 4th in 2013 and a 2nd last year to her name at this event. She will be looking to go one better this time for certain. 

Sam Scott: Sam won't thank me for this inclusion I'm sure but she is one tough gal. She picked up 7th here last year, but her resume is extensive, from the Bob Graham Round, to TransAlpine to UTMB she's done the long tough stuff and picked up plenty of podium places and wins at shorter ultras too. 

Maria Carla Ferrero: COming over for the race from Italy, Maria took 2nd place at the 113km Morenic Trail in 2014 and will be looking to enjoy her first taste of UK ultra running.