Winter Downs 200 2023 Race Report

Video: Steve Ashworth
Photography: Pierre Papet, Jamie Rutherford, David Miller
Words: James Elson

Background

The idea for the Winter Downs 200 was conceived over the early months of 2023. It felt long overdue that we offered our runners the chance to try their hand at something far bigger than we had gone before. When we began in 2010, 100 milers were really the ultimate distance, with single stage races going beyond that distance limited to the road in the form of classics like Spartathlon and Badwater. 

Since 2011 we have put on well over 100 ultras in the 50km to 100 mile range, foraying past that only in one or two Piece of String Fun Runs. But nothing like this. 

Winter was chosen to add that extra layer to the adventure and because it wouldn't clash with the rest of our already busy year. We hadn't staged a December race since the first Winter 100 (now Autumn 100) in 2012.

Putting the right course together proved far more challenging than it might seem on paper. To incorporate as much of our home ground as possible - the North and South Downs, whilst connecting them in logical places to create a loop. It was hard to make things add up to a coherent route. So we pushed and we tweaked and revisted over and over and over again until it fell into place. The final drawing on OS came in almost bang on 200 miles and there it was. 

Then it was about finding the right venues on the clock face as it were. Juniper Hall was the obvious target for a start / finish. For so long a venue we had looked but never been able to integrate with any specific event. Then it was out onto the course to look at possible check points. Locations that provided accomodation as well as common areas, showers, and falling as close to the route as possible. Ideally on it which did in fact prove possible.

Once we had all of that it was time to put it out there. And the feedback was phenomenal. Immediately it seemed to capture the imagination of a group of core 100 mile Centurion runners, but also cast a wider net than that too. We sold our 120 spots and looked forward to welcoming 100 to the start line.

The final couple of months in the lead up were extremely busy as we thought over every detail and possible outcome, dealing with logistal challenges that hadn't cropped up in our other events before. But it was always interesting and exciting and it felt like the runners were on board this amazing journey with us, with the Q&As in the lead up giving us a chance to talk to them directly. 

Before we all knew it, it was time....

Ally Whitlock at sunrise on Day 2 of the 2023 WD200 (Photo: Pierre Papet)

The Start

The runners began arriving at Juniper Hall on Tuesday afternoon, ready for an 0800 Wednesday morning start. With a fuller kit list than usual and a full mandatory kit check, we eventually signed off 94 starters over the four hour window. Without exception every runner went on to the start with full kit and no issues. By far the smoothest registration we've ever had. And honestly, a sign of the commitment and seriousness that the group placed upon being part of this event. 

In the end, of 94, 30 were uncrewed - they would be unsupported between the check points. 25 were partially crewed eg. for some of the race. The remainder relying on full crew throughout, with 30+ crew locations around the route. 21 women signed in at registration - a higher female participation rate than at many of the 100s. Only two of those unsupported - Mel Horley and Rebecca Lane.

There was a buzz about the place on Wednesday as we lined everyone up for the start. Weather was cold but manageable. A bit of light drizzle in the air, a classic grey December morning where the gloaming never really seems to dissipate. 

Runners ascending tower cutting up Box Hill at the start (Photo: David Miller)

Over the course of the 96 hours, the weather didn't ever deteriorate too much. The rain for brief times increased to steady but never torrential. The nights were very cold, particularly that first one. But things warmed up over day 3 and 4. With some sunshine breaking through over the last two days it was close to perfect overhead. 

Underfoot however, there was a mixture of good going, and extremely wet, messy ground in places. That ultimately caused a lot of issues, unsurprisingly. 
 

The Womens Race

The field of 21 women contained some very experienced long distance runners. The most experienced of those, Laura Swanton-Rouvelin, ran ahead from the line, up the first steep climb up the 'North Face' of Box Hill and settled in to a very relaxed rhythm, smiling, enjoying the simplicity of just putting one foot in front of the other after a very busy lead up to the race with non-running events that had interrupted her training. Her husband Jean, crewed her solo throughout the entire race and as an experienced runner himself gave her all the support she would need. 

Teamwork. Laura and Jean in the final moments pre-race (Photo: David Miller)

The course intitially travels east on the North Downs Way to its intersection with the Vanguard Way at mile 19 where it turns immediately south on the Vanguard Way. Whilst the NDW was muddy and had some sitting water in places, it isn't and wasn't a patch on the VW. The VW benefits from good long stretches of country lanes and wide tracks. But for every mile or good going, there is a mile of what following wet weather, is muddy, slippery and extremely wet ground. A very wet few weeks leading up to the race had turned several sections into a quagmire and even the odd impromptu lake. This sight greeted the runners at Haxted. Around 100 metres of knee deep sitting water.

The impromptu lake at Haxted on the Vanguard Way (Photo: Jamie Rutherford)

As the first 'night' fell - dark by 1600 the sun wouldn't rise again until 0800 - Laura gradually pulled away from second and third place ladies Ally Whitlock and Sophie Bennett who ran together in the early stages, giving herself a cushion into check point one at mile 49 of half an hour on Ally and an hour on Sophie. 

She left there before the others and pushed on to the junction with the South Downs Way at 100km and another major moment in the race as runners turn west to run almost 80 miles of our SDW100 course in reverse. Meanwhile Ally maintained a 2-3 mile margin on Sophie in third. Both had crew also and were stopping only briefly to top up supplies and exchange kit but otherwise focused on pressing on as efficiently as possible. That changed at Housedean Farm where Ally took a longer stop and Sophie moved into second place climbing most of the way up to Black Cap before Ally had arisen. 

Laura meanwhile surged into a circa 10 mile lead and made it to CP2 at Truleigh Hill YHA in 22:42. A solid time for 92 mid-winter miles let alone as the opening account of a 200 mile race. She looked well in control and was efficient in the check point, just eating something hot provided by our super experienced team of volunteers who have run our Saddlescombe Farm check point at the SDW100 since day 1. 

On she went after a 20 minute stop. Sophie Bennett arrived next and was greeted with a cake and some fairly average singing - as it happened to be her birthday. What a way to celebrate! She stopped for a very quick nap and a meal and moved on just as Ally Whitlock passed the front of the building, pushing straight on towards her crew down the hill. 

Shortly after, Sophie passed Ally back again and with the gap back to the rest of the field gradually spreading it seemed possible that we were already looking at the eventual 1,2,3 at the finish. Whilst that did prove to be the case there were almost a few twists and turns. Laura seemed focused, untroubled and in an amazing head space throughout. Of course there were the inevitable ups and downs but ran as controlled a race as we saw across the entire week.

CP3 at the Sustainabilty Centre falls at around the 136 mile mark and gives runners their last chance to access drop bags, hot food and sleeping facilities before the final 100km+ push to the finish. Just before the 150 mile mark, runners turn off of the SDW to head north east on the Wayfarers Walk and then the St Swithuns Way, leading them to Farnham where our NDW events begin, from where they begin the final run in to Box Hill again - approximately a marathon from that point. One other check point awaits at Puttenham mile 180 but that is a safety point only with a 60 minute maximum stopping time. 

Laura eventually maintained her 10 mile lead almost evenly across the 100km from CP3 to become our first female finisher in 63:47. A stellar outing from an incredible athlete.

Sophie ran an amazing race, smiling seemingly throughout the entire run, winning legions of fans in the process and crossed the line in 69:22 for second place. Her efficeiency both in check points and with her crew was exemplary. Never stopping for long and always focused on the task at hand. It showed everyone who watched her, how much a positive mental attitude can lead to success in the sport, particularly in the realm of the super long.

Sophie Bennett on the St Swithuns Way with 50km to go (Photo: Pierre Papet)

Ally maintained third over that entire section too. However it nearly became more interesting as she briefly stopped at Newlands Corner with 15 miles to go, Danielle Harris arrived at St Marthas' just 2 miles behind her. However Ally found a strong final kick from there and Danielle stopped for a while, allowing that gap just to grow again. Ally's eventual time was 71:07 for third. 

13 of the 21 women who started, finished the race. That is quite a remarakable finish rate. Particular mention also should go to Mel Horley who was the only female uncrewed runner to finish. She made it around the entire loop with just the 4 check points for support, in 86:44. Setting an example for everyone of what is possible. 

Ally Whitlock on her way to third place (Photo: Pierre Papet)

Womens age category awards went to the following:

1st FV40 was Laura Swanton-Rouvelin
1st FV50 was Danielle Harris in 73:15
1st FV60 was Olivia Hetreed in 87:57

There were two FV60 finishers, which is unusual even in the 50 milers, so a special mention to Chrissie Buckledee who alongside Olivia has trail blazed the way for female age categories at this event.

Mens Race

A strong mens field lined up for this inaugural edition. Most however, new to 200 miles+. Of the likely leading contenders, only James White with TDG and the Spine in his background had experience of running the distance before.

It would be remiss at this stage, not to mention the loss of Mark Darbyshire from the start line just 48 hours prior to the race, as he picked up Covid. Mark is the pre-eminent 100 mile runner in the UK at the moment with course records recently at Lakeland, Arc of Attrition, NDW100 and 13 Valleys amongst many many others. His training had been going well and he was ready to step up. The gap he left definitely impacted how the front of the race panned out as runners who had perhaps presumed they would be chasing him suddenly found themselves out front making the pace themselves. 

Out front from the gun ran Centurion Ultra Team Runner and Coach Ry Webb, Sam Skinner who had performed well at events such as Lakeland, the Arc and Drgaons Back and Nicholas Smith, fresh off of a 14 hour 100 miler on the track no less, in September. Ry and Nick ran the early miles together pushing each other on, with Sam just behind. 

Nicholas Smith early on Day 2 (Photo: Jamie Rutherford)

As the turned south on to the Vanguard Way, Sam forged into the lead with Nick, Ry seemingly not quite able to hit his stride. Sam surged forward at the marathon mark and led, with Ry now moving into second. Sam then ran straight past check point one, instead relying on his crew. Already the underfoot conditions were taking their toll on anticipated times, with Sam through there in 8:20 a ways behind what we had expected leading times to be. Ry ran straight past as well, definitely not having his best day but holding in with a lot of grit. Nick took more time in the check point itself. And that told the story for many miles to come. Sam ran out front by a margin that waxed and waned as both he and Ry, now firmly in second position, stopped with their crews to tend to issues or get supplies and even grab the odd power nap. Though these were very few and far between possibly actually only once did either get any sleep at all. 

Sam Skinner (Photo: Jamie Rutherford)

Past CP3 at mile 136 down the length of the SDW later, Sam's lead was almost exactly an hour over Ry. Nick had been forced to stop through injury. And in third place was Andrew Churchill. Andrew was the only one to stop there as he had a nap and a meal before cracking on with the job. The margin at the front between those three and everyone else was huge already and would only grow further. Ry gradually ate away at Sams lead until just outside of Alton, he sat within sight, biding his time. Eventually joining forces for a section, it was through Farnham that Ry eventually moved into the outright lead. From there, on home ground past where he lives and grew up, he ran a strong final marathon to cross the line for the win in 49:15.

Ry Webb took the inaugural race win (Photos: Jamie Rutherford)

Sam pushed himself to the limit and possibly just beyond. As he slowed further, it was the sleep monsters that eventually got him worst. He took the wrong route into the finish and had to be turned back just before he reached it. Then atop Box Hill he just could not orientate himself at all. Watching him going in circles on the tracker with just a mile to go was excruciating for all, none more so than for him. But he eventually managed to get himself down to cross the line for second in 53:57. He led for probably 130 miles of the race in an incredibly brave effort. Third went to Andrew 55:06. More than 5 hours ahead of fourth. But fourth place David Pryce deserves special mention for being first uncrewed runner over the line in a fine effort indeed.

In the mens age categories awards went to:

MV40 to Andrew Churchill also third overall
MV50 to Mark Thompson in 61:40
MV60 to Kevin Warddell in 80:17
MV70 to John Fanshawe in 95:15

The Stories

The story of the front runners is often simpler and easier to tell because their journeys are far shorter and setting up ahead of them means we are following their progress in real time. The myriad of incredible tales through the rest of the field are in many ways far deeper and numerous. It is impossible to tell them all. But some snippets amongst the data....

In the first 16 hours of the race we only lost one runner from the event. That is an incredible stat. That runner was the oldest competitor this year - Ian Maddieson. At 81 Ian was the oldest person ever to toe the line at one of our in person events. And it was wonderful to see him toeing the line, even if his race didn't pan out the way he had hoped.

Ian Maddieson (Photo: David Miller)

The pace overall was far quicker than we had expected for the mid to back pack. In fact nobody was ever troubled for the cut off at Check Point 1. Indeed, no runner throughout the entire race was cut off at a check point. A first at any event for us. Yes some runners stopped on course with crew or were picked up by us, who would have gone on to miss a cut but it goes to show that this race although much longer than anything else we run - is just as viable for anybody with experience, planning and particularly determination. 

At CP1, last to arrive was Luke Carter. He left there at mile 49, 23 hours in, with 45 minutes to go until the cut off. Nobody thought he could make it. Except probably Luke. 95 hours and 47 minutes into the race, with just 13 minutes to go, he crossed the line as second final finisher. In what was an incredible display of strategy and race management. 

Luke Carter (Photo: Pierre Papet)

John Fanshawe, at 77 a world class road and trail runner, entered the race unsupported. To anybody who believes our time line in this sport is not that great, just take a second to reflect on the fact that John finished in 95:15. It wasn't, however, plain sailing. On top of Box Hill with 1.3 miles to go, John lay on the ground unable to get up and seemingly in a dream like state where he couldn't ascertain if he was awake or asleep. As a safety consideration he was met and after a long chat he was able to get himself up and move in the direction of the finish unassisted, crucial that we didn't physically help him in any way. He was shadowed to the finish where it was ascertained he had in fact been in a dream like state for the last 10 hours or so. Being an unsupported runner is a very different experience to having help at the crew points. And much like Sam in second, John took it all the way to the limit for his finish. 

But not every incredible story ended back at Juniper Hall. Zoe Norman, one of the most loved of our Centurion community made it as far as White Downs with 8 miles to go before she quite literally ground to a halt. She was just so exhausted she could not get the pace going to be able to make it even to the next road crossing. So she was met by some of our team and walked to safety which she did under her own steam it is important to add, so close to the end. But 8 miles might as well be 800 when the body reaches that point.

And the final runner on course not to make it, Christian Maleedy put up a huge battle against the clock over the final day to fall just short and drop at the final crew point at Denbies Hillside, 4 miles from the finish. 

We hope these last two will try again in 2024! 56 runners crossed the line from the 94 starters, a much higher finish rate than we had anticipated.

This event was a true coming together of the community. Volunteers didn't just do a check point for a few hours then head home again. Some of them gave up 6 days of their lives, took time off of work, missed time with family in the run up to Christmas, to enable this incredible group of 94 runners to experience something truly unforgettable. It really is impossible to thank them enough. 

Lastly, this report really does inevitably fail to convey the depth of the story of the race. For more, have a look through the race images via the link at the top. 

We look forward to welcoming you in 2024. Applications are open here.