New thread to use for future events, as title of 2013 thread could not be amended. Race date for 2014 is 16th August and full details are at www.svp100.co.uk
I'm entered for the first time, so only experience of last year was driving the minibus which was predominantly warm, with good traction, a radio and quite gentle on the legs. Hoping for more of the same next year.
Comments
If anyone wants to refer to the 2013 thread for previous posts, its here; http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/forum/ultra-/-adventure-racing/stour-valley-path-100km-ultra-14th-september/239518-6.html
but the aim is not to post there and to use this for all future traffic.
Super, thanks Kevin. There is also plenty of information for everyone on the SVP100 website (see link in Kevin's post). Also, we have a Facebook page as well: https://www.facebook.com/#!/Svp100
If anyone has any questions not covered by the website (see the FAQ page) or the Facebook page, please feel free to ask them here. I read the forums from time to time, plus I'm sure other people will be happy to share their knowledge / experiences.
Look forward to seeing you there Kevin
Anyone have any Newmarket hotel recommendations? I would usually stay in the Premier Inn, but it seems they have no car park!
I parked at Cattawade station the evening before, took the train to Newmarket, stayed at the Premier Inn and then ran 100km back towards my car... for the last mile or two (finish line to the station) I got a lift in Kevin's minibus...
Still my favourite race T shirt!
There are plenty of places to stay in Newmarket, but definitely try and book early as there will be horse racing that weekend, so hotels / B&Bs will book up fast.
Glad you like the t-shirt Ben
Runners may find the following SVP100 pace calculator useful: http://climbers.net/race/Stour-Valley-Path-100km-ultra-run-2013
Cool!
Further confirms my inability to put a profile chart in to a real mental image.... Longer races compress the scale and make them look even worse !
Cut-off times are up. For the early start, its a steady 4mph as expected, so that's fine. But the late start people have to cover the first 12 miles at 10 min mile pace.
Now, I ran the first bit of the course in my lunch break and I couldn't maintain that. several inches of slick, sticky mud didn't help - at times I could barely stand, let alone run. Nor did leaden quads from wednesdays martial arts lesson. (Kick! Again! Harder! Again!) Or the umpty million gates and the fallen over signpost. Or the assortment of yappy dogs.
But still, I can't help but wonder... Is the organiser overestimating what non-elite types can do? Or am I even slower than I thought? To put it into context, my half mara time is 1hr52 - no better than mediocre, but no worse, either. And will anyone be brave enough to go for the later start?
My personal opinion is that the time limit should be relaxed a bit.
I ran most of the race with the first lady, and we essentially ran most of the course including the ascents, and still took more than 13 hours.
I can’t say anything bad about the organisation of this race, or its support, or the course itself, but that has to be my personal conclusion.
Thanks for the feedback Peronel and Ben Davies 15, very much appreciated.
I'm sure conditions along the route will be slippery and wet at present. However, unless we have torrential rain in August, we are likely to have much better surfaces for running by the date of the race.
We spent a great deal of time discussing the cut-offs following the inaugural race. The data collected was also cut and analysed a number of different ways, in order set the cut-offs for the 2014 race.
All the finisher data has also been input into the following website to sense check our analysis: http://climbers.net/race/Stour-Valley-Path-100km-ultra-run-2013
The algorithm on this website takes into account elevation, hours of light etc.
We probably won't impose the cut-off at the first checkpoint for the later start, but we will be strict this year from CP2 onwards.
With regards to the overall cut-off, we believe that 15.5 hours is fair, given that an average pace of 4mph (a fast walk) can be maintained. Last year, ~90% of finishers completed the route in
Sorry, it appears to have cut off the last section of my message. I was trying to say that ~90% of finishers completed the course in
Sorry, it appears to have cut off the last section of my message. I was trying to say that ~90% of finishers completed the course in less than 15.5 hours. This year, runners will have an additional hour of daylight and should not have to contend with ploughed fields. As such, this should help a slightly higher percetage to complete the route within the set timeframe.
Matthew, can you tell me if there is a limit to your entry numbers? I am considering giving this a go, just waiting to see how my spring marathon build up goes, before splashing the cash. Can't see a limit on the website?
Cheers.
Hi SAFER. Good question, but it's covered in the FAQ section of our website:
http://www.svp100.co.uk/faq/
The entry limit is 150 and we currently have 54 signed up. Hope the training goes well and please 'Like' our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter if you would like to be kept up to date on entry numbers. Our website is also kept up to date.
Thanks Matthew. Will keep any eye on entry numbers.
ooh - hello Safer, I think I spoke to you recently on the Comrades thread!
I'm in for this one
Safer and Purplepig - are you both doing Comrades this year? I'm going to be out there running too. No doubt I'll be hanging out in my lovely green SVP100 T-shirt, so should be easy enough to spot - I'm sure Comrades will be great training for the SVP100, which is also technically 'downhill'
Not this year for me Matthew - but looking at possibly registering for next year. Good luck to you though - have you done it before?
No, first time. I'll be testing out all the foods at the aid stations to get some ideas for what treats to provide at SVP100
good idea!!
Exciting update - the race will now end at Brantham Athletic Football Club. This will add an extra couple of hundred metres to the route, but means that runners, supporters and volunteers will have access to a bar, toilets, showers etc. Further details to follow on the website soon.
PP: yes I remember you from the thread, unfortunately I am not doing Comrades this year. Too many things conspiring against me. Very sad to be missing out on the B2B medal. That's why I am keen to give this one a go. If i do enter I can share the comrades experience with you and convince you to enter before entries open in September.
Mathew: the aid stations at Comrades are well stocked, but to be honest I stuck to my own stuff as did not want to upset my stomach. The only thing I found useful was sun cream! Not sure if we'll have that problem if the rain keeps failing? I know a lot of the guys tuck into the potatoes in the latter half.
Ha ha...good plan Safer! Shame about your b2b though
Hopefully see you in August.
Yes, I hear the potatoes are particularly good at Comrades. Perhaps something for the SVP aid stations in that case...
Will be out on the route tomorrow. Anyone know which bits are above water?