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Piece of String Ultra
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I'm doing the Winter 100
My guess is that you will be linking up the outer turn points of the Winter100 by going XCountry rather than via Streatley
My application was declined, so I will be in the Winter 100 also!
It seems that this event drew applications from some extremely capable ultra runners.
I will not be shocked if it is a status symbol to have been accepted into this event by this time next year!
Yes indeed Ben, I see Mimi got in - im very far from her capabilities! I'd be frightened to have been accepted!
It'd be a real shame though if the choices were based on who was most experienced or who had done the most previously, it'll be a shame if only the very best get in year after year
I guess that's exactly what they based their choices on? I think they just want to test the format out first on those who they know have gone to the very edge. Also probably to give the event a bit of a name for itself and to create some interest. I suppose they might open it up to more applicants in following years?
As I understand it, the selection process is based on ability, but there is a single sacrificial virgin (like at Barklay).
Even so, perhaps there is some honour in having put forward an honest application?
If you did, then you are obviously up for a serious scrap!
I am saying, that this might end up being the nearest thing we have to a British Barklay.
Is there a list somewhere of the lucky few - I couldn't find one on the Centurion website?
Ben - isnt the British Barkley at Caesers Camp?
Hmmmmm.
I understand that it is logistically feasible to finish Caesars Camp.
I agree the piece will be tough but it's not even in the same park as Barkley in my opinion, for comparison I'd suggest something like The Spine
Barkley is something else completely in terms of terrain, time on feet, the extra challenge of finding the books, no support, no start time, unknown distance really.
Now, I think an awesome race in terms of just pushing your limits is the Big Dog ultra. 4 mile trail lap, everyone sets off on the hour to do a lap. If you dont get back to start the next lap you are done or if you dont go out on a lap you are done. Last man standing.
Having reread James' blog about his inspiration for "piece of string" i think this is not about terrain at all. "on paper there is nothing tough about it except the mental torment it will inspire".
And he refers specifically to the big international races (part. badwater) and says that he hopes to attract "the same people" that have already completed these races and seems to want to test them in a different way.
His inspiration does seem to come from Barkley, but only from the fact that it broke him mentally - not physically.
Oh dear, just logged into this thread to see who had got in and see the phrase "one sacrificial virgin". Well, part of it's wrong but I have a feeling I may be the sacrifice given the other names mentioned! Where is the list of 16 invitees available?