Full Race Report:

The Stour Valley Path stretches from Newmarket all the way to Cattawade, passing through some of the most beautiful countryside in England. Matt's goal was to run the 101km route in one continuous effort, while Mike's was to attempt the same route on a Mountain Bike, carrying the bike over any stiles that were encountered. Matt knew it would be hard, and had put the training time in and had planned for all sorts of issues.  Mike, on the other hand, had not undertaken much preparation due to family commitments. 

What we never considered was that we would be undertaking the 100k on the hottest day of the year. 

The first part of the day started with trying to find a parking space in a deserted (well, almost, there were a few straggling clubbers littered about) Newmarket town.  We managed to park very close to the start and were ready to go at 4:20.  A short walk down to the clock tower, a quick photo, and at 4:25am we were off!

The first part of the route takes you on a straight and flat road south west, before joining the Devil's Dyke.  Matt was warning Mike about the oncoming 'transition' from flat open road to almost jungle-like overgrowth through a tunnel of hedgerow up to the top of the Dyke.  Mike was not prepared for the extreme contrasts, but managed to get through on the bike! Once through the dense foliage, we enjoyed great views of the sun rising over Newmarket (not often said, I'm sure).

Onwards we went, slowly depleting food stuffs and large amounts of electrolyte-dosed water through the slowly brightening (and heating up) day. At 7:45am we met up with Matt's friend Richard who joined us for a while, running along side Matt and guiding the way through occasional navigational confusion.  Out first brief stop (read: mad dash to reload on drinks and foodstuffs before setting off once again) was made with Nathan, another running-mate of Matt's, who supplied our support with logistical precision, attention to detail, compassion and empathy.  Off we were again, until Richard departed at Cavendish (he would join us again for the final 8kms to the finish), then it was Matt and Mike and one of the most amazing sites of the day, a huge poppy field, blazing red in the morning sun.

Onwards we went, through field and over stile, with a couple more meetings with Nathan to replenish fluids and food, until we got to Sudbury.  At this point, 60km under our belts, Mike's inattention to hydration took it's toll.  With an increasing headache, stomach upset, and fatigue, Mike and Matt separated.  Matt continued on the off-road path, while Mike covered the same distance via road for the next few fluid stops until finally rejoining Matt on the Path at km93, for the final 8km run to the finish line.  During this period, Matt was provided further support on the way into Nayland by Maurice, who rode alongside on his bike for a while (after having done a 30-mile bike race earlier that day, no less - and at 74!).

For Matt and the final 40kms the primary focus was heat management, fluid intake and simply putting one foot in front of the other.  Mike's focus was trying to manage with heat stroke caused by the high temperature, insufficient fluid intake, and a lack of heat management.

At km93, Mike rejoined Matt for the final 8kms.  We were joined by Nathan and Richard, who gave much needed support to help us keep going and also helped Mike to get the bike over the final few stiles!

The last laugh was on us as we reached the final 500 metres of the route, of which 150 metres is an almost (almost) impenetrable jungle of stinging nettles, thorny bushes and general overgrowth.  We all managed to get through with very few cuts and stings considering (this was later attributed to Richard having run the route in reverse to join us at km 93 - his legs bore justice to the level of stingers).

We arrived at the finish, Catawade, at 5:25pm - 13 hours after starting.  We were supplied with medals, courtesy of John Ryan's daughter.  John is another good friend of Mike and Matt's.

Matt took the opportunity to jump in the Stour for a brief swim.  A few photos were taken, hugs hugged, and lots and lots of thanks to all who helped us through.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to HRR Members Nathan Roulson, Richard Tiller and Maurice Young for looking after us all day long. We also thank Kathryn Ryan for the medals.  Without them there's little chance that we would have completed the route.

The day was dedicated to Mike's mother who sadly passed away recently after battling cancer for several years. At the last count our efforts raised over £1150 for the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity.  

Knowing that we had the support and encouragement from all of the sponsors (you) and others helped us through the difficult times that day.

Some statistics:

Calories consumed by Mike - 2,220 (not much - couldn't eat) 

Calories consumed by Matt - 4,000+

Calories burned (Mike) - 6,500

Calories burned (Matt) - 9,000+

Liquids consumed - 10 litres (Mike) and another 16 litres (Matt)

Elapsed time : 13 hours 

Started: 4:25 am 

Ended: 5:25 pm 

Average speed: 6.5 mph 

Covered 60% of route by 8:30 ( approximately 40 miles ).

Total Distance Covered: 101 kilometres by Matt and Mike

I can only describe the events on Sunday as life-changing. An unbelievable run.