In 2023 the Westcountry Ultra 100 Miler had just 10 finishers from 15 starters. We'd love to see more people run this 100 miler as it is a true adventure but is just as achievable as any other 100 you will find out there. The fact that there is a vast amount more elevation in the second half arguably makes it pretty tough but as with any 100, with a decent plan, sensible pacing and plenty of fuelling it can be done! Steve Collinson led this one for much of the race, having swapped the lead over the first 20 or so miles with Alex Cacchi (last year's Conquest of Avalon 50 winner.) Steve would go on to take the win in what was a stunning 100 mile performance but also memorable was the 2nd place finisher - the enigmatic Tim Fisher with his Hawaiian shirt, star spangled banner socks, Hakuna Matata approach and sub 24 hour finish to go alongside Steve's! Both of these runs will leave a lasting impression. Something that sums up Albion events is the 3rd place finish. At the final aid station Simon Clayson was 3rd, with Pawel Baranowski within sight in 4th. When Pawel eventually caught up he asked Simon if they should finish together. Simon, seeing how fresh Pawel looked, said that no he should go ahead. This awesome display of sportsmanship from both runners was awesome to hear about and they both took their place among the small handful who have completed the Flat 50, Hilly 50 and 100. There were only two female runners in this race and both had awesome stories. Jessica Liu was in 3rd place overall early on and running very strong. She took 6th overall and 1st female after battling adversity, and her toughness came as no surprise when we heard that she was none other than Rock Huang's wife! Rock finished the 100 in spectacular fashion last year after having got past mile 90 the year before but having to stop. 2nd female was Emma Challis - if you run races in the South-West you may well know who Emma is. She runs a marathon or ultra nearly every weekend and always with a smile on her face and with care for her fellow runners despite often battling through pain. She ran most of the first half with Lauren Silk, who was running the Flat 50 aged 19. I can only imagine what Lauren will go on to do with her running career having shared all those miles with a legend like Emma!
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The 100 miler takes in the routes of both 50 milers combined, so here are the descriptions.....
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Before we go any further let's get one thing straight - The Westcountry Ultra Flat 50 Miler does have some hills. I mean, did you really expect 50 miles of splendid Somerset scenery to be 100% pancake flat? Compared to the Hilly 50 though, this route is basically as flat as they come. 15 miles of canal path to ease you in, very little elevation throughout, just some bumps in the second half. Something that may surprise you though is that running 50 flat miles can leave your legs feeling sorer than 50 hilly miles, because when you're on the flat you're using the same muscles and it's not obvious when to ease off. Although there was only around half an hour between the winning times in the Flat 50 and Hilly 50 in 2019, the flat 50 is the one to run if you want a fast time or to run 50 less challenging miles. The Hilly 50 is a beast!
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Ok, so starting off in Taunton you will have around 15 miles of quaint canal path to get yourself moving. The scenery here is pretty varied, and you may spot some interesting wildlife - Kingfishers are frequently spotted along here, Otters have been known and by the time you get to the first aid station you will already feel like you've seen a real slideshow of tranquil scenes. After the canal is the meandering River Parrett - the muddy banks tell you that you're nearing an estuary, but the long grass and rural splendour are a bridge between canal and coast
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Once you get to the West Somerset coast you will see the infamous Hinkley Point Power station (sorry, we can never get them to move it despite our best efforts!) and then you have the spectacular limestone formations of Kilve Beach and the surrounding coastline to marvel at. If you look out to sea you may spot the engimatic islands of Steepholm and Flatholm with the Welsh coast lying beyond them. If you look to your left when you get past Kilve you will spot the Quantock Hills, where Samuel Taylor Coleridge composed many of his best known poems
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You have an inland diversion through a little bit of pine forest to West Quantoxhead, through that pretty village and on to Lucke's Lane, cutting across to Williton and then back to the coast at Watchet. You will already have glimpsed the gleaming white of Butlin's Minehead from a couple of points if you keep your eyes peeled, and this is where you are ultimately heading for, but not before the expanses of Dunster Beach, where your final aid station before Minehead lies. When you get to Minehead you will turn left just past Butlins and head up to West Somerset College where you can access your drop bag if you have one and pick up your pacer if you have one. Then you must complete the Hilly 50 route....
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We know this is the Hilly 50 but we're afraid there are a few flat sections - it's just that people have complained about the hills on the Flat 50 so maybe this would be an issue too ; )
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Starting and finishing in Minehead, this run takes in some of the most brutal climbs you will find in Somerset. To a fell runner from the Lake District this might not seem too imposing but if you're from the south it's probably going to be as challenging as much of what you will find, perhaps unless you're from the Cornish coast. Taking in some of the best of Exmoor with lush ancient woodland, astonishing views from vast cliffs, sweeping moorland and a few more hills just when you thought they were over... well, let's just say you're in for a proper adventure. The winning time has got significantly faster each year so far, which shows that a fair bit of the course is quite runnable, but make no mistake - this is a challenging one. If you want to run 50 miles fast then enter the flat 50, if you want a challenging 50 miler enter the hilly 50
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Check out some of the pictures to get an idea of the scenery that awaits you! The coast path climbs, then falls, then climbs again, then goes flat just for a very short time.... the inland sections of the route climb high, drop low, climb high again, maybe go flat for a very short while.... you get the picture. This run is an elaborate four course meal for the senses, taking in some truly mind-blowing scenery - perhaps our most visually stunning race route of all if one had to be chosen. When you get to the finish there will be somewhere comfortable to sit and some lovely snacks and drinks, and because it starts and finishes in the same place your car will be waiting for you, or your lift
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There is a cut-off of 32 hours, which reflects the difficulty of the hilly section, but if you pace sensibly then there's no reason you can't comfortably finish within 32. Back in 2019 everyone who completed the race did so within 30.5 hours. 3rd placed Alan Clark said at the start he was planning on 10 hours for the flat 50 and 14 hours for the hilly, which is pretty much what he did, finishing in 24.5 hours
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This 100 miler is not as bombastic as some you may find, but there are a good number of well-stocked aid stations along the way and it is a true adventure: probably one of the most varied 100 milers you will find in the UK in terms of scenery....
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FASCINATING EXMOOR FACTS: -
To get an idea of how wonderful the location you'll be racing in is, check out these facts.....
*The tallest tree in England is on Exmoor at Nutcombe Bottom near Dunster. It is a Douglas Fir, and stands a massive 60.5 metres tall - this is taller than Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square and is the height that two of the largest Blue Whales would be if they stood upright, one on top of the other.
*Exmoor has the highest sea cliffs on the British Mainland, its coast has the highest and lowest tides in Europe, plus it has the longest continuously wooded section of coastline in Britain; some 8 miles of non-stop coastal forest
*Exmoor National Park is an international Dark Sky Reserve, which means it has exceptionally starry skies and a commitment to protecting them. So yes, if you're 70-80 miles into the hundred and struggling through a tough section of the route then if it's a clear night just look up and marvel at the blanket of stars that you'll see... then carry on running, don't just stay staring at the stars indefinitely!
WE RECOMMEND THAT BEFORE ENTERING THE 100 MILER YOU HAVE COMPLETED A RACE OF AT LEAST 50 MILES WITHIN THE CUT-OFF. 100 MILES IS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT BEAST TO 100k EVEN, ALTHOUGH WE WILL NOT EXTENSIVELY RESEARCH YOUR RUNNING HISTORY TO CONFIRM THAT YOU HAVE DONE THIS - IF YOU WANT TO JUMP STRAIGHT TO 100 THEN WE WON'T STOP YOU, BUT IF YOU ARE DOING THIS PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE TRAINED ADEQUATELY AND ARE PREPARED FOR THE FACT THAT IT MIGHT BE A VERY, VERY LONG AND PAINFUL DAY!
CUT-OFF TIME: - 32 HOURS
PRICE: -
£85
ENTRIES AVAILABLE VIA OUR ONLINE STORE. ENTRIES ONLY REFUNDABLE IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT THAT THE RACE HAS TO BE CANCELLED, BUT IF YOU ARE NO LONGER WISHING TO TAKE PART OR ARE UNABLE TO THEN IF THE RACE IS FULL WE WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO FIND SOMEONE TO TAKE YOUR PLACE, AND THEIR ENTRY FEE WILL GO TO YOU. IF THE RACE HAS NOT REACHED CAPACITY THEN YOU ARE WELCOME TO TRANSFER YOUR PLACE TO SOMEBODY ELSE AS LONG AS YOU MAKE US FULLY AWARE BEFORE THE DAY. ENTRIES ARE STRICTLY LIMITED TO 100
WHAT DO YOU GET FOR YOUR MONEY?: -
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Medal for all finishers
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13 well-stocked aid stations, plus food at the finish
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Trophies for winners
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Large hall at finish to relax in which will have food, drink, comfortable seating and plenty more
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Medical cover
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Course markings, full route directions etc.
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A front row seat for the finish of the rest of this race if you want to stay
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Assistance with transport arrangements to get back to Taunton if needed, tailored to your requirements
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Something unique, as this is the Albion Running experience (they say mystically!)
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A race through some of Somerset and North Devon's most awe inspiring scenery
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SUGGESTED KIT: -
There is no mandatory kit list but it is STRONGLY advised that you carry the following items to be on the safe side: -
* Waterproof jacket that you have used in rainy conditions and know will do the job
* Hat and Gloves in case of unseasonably cold weather (possible in Somerset!)
* An additional base layer (this can be lightweight, and it's advisable if it is, as long as it's an additional layer)
* Headtorch with spare batteries in case of late finish
* High viz clothing for dusk
* Whistle
* Compass
* Mobile phone that is fully charged at start
* Some Emergency food/water, plus at least one 500ml water bottle to carry with you
* Foil survival blanket in case of emergencies
* Personal first aid kit with plasters, savlon etc.
If you need any info regarding TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION please e-mail albionrunning@hotmail.com - the race start is at Canal Road, Taunton, TA1 1PN. Please see CAR PARKING below for the best places to leave your car
By agreeing to take part in this Albion Running Race:
You declare that you will be 18 years or over on the day of the event
You are fully aware of the actual and potential risks in participation in this event
Although the race is organised with a full risk assessment having been carried out, will have medical support and will be carried out with the safety of the runners in mind at all times, you declare that you willl compete in the race entirely at your own risk
To the extent permitted by law, you accept that the organisers and sponsors of the race, or any of their agents, will not be liable for any loss, damage, action, claim, costs or expenses, which may arise in consequence of your participation of the event
AID STATION LOCATIONS: -
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These were the aid stations in 2019 - they will be the same in 2020 subject to negotiations and if any change they will be listed here...
CP1: - BOAT & ANCHOR INN, HUNTWORTH (Meads Crossing, Huntsworth, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7 0AQ)
This first aid station is located by the side of the canal path and will come after you've covered a bunch of easy, flat early miles
CP2: - THE ANCHOR, COMBWICH (Riverside, Combwich, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 2RA)
Not to be confused with the Boat & Anchor, this is located in the pretty village of Combwich on the River Parrett Trail and will be outside the pub
CP3: - STOLFORD (Stolford Car Park, Stolford, Somerset, TA5 1TW)
Within sight of Hinkley Point power station, this will be your last stop before you get onto the West Somerset Coast Path proper (that will come when you have gone around the Hinkley Point diversion) – a welcome refuelling stop
CP4: - KILVE BEACH (Kilve, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 1EG)
With Hinkley Point power station behind you, by this stage you will be running past the spectacular limestone formations of the West Somerset coast. Some of the best ones are here at Kilve Beach, where you can pause for a short while as you enjoy the scenery
CP5: - WINDMILL INN, WEST QUANTOXHEAD (West Quantoxhead, Williton, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 4DS)
At this point it may feel a little bit like you're on a pub crawl but this aid station is on the edge of the Quantocks and from nearby you may catch your first glimpse of Minehead, where the flat 50 ends
CP6: - DUNSTER BEACH CAR PARK (Sea Lane, nr. Minehead, Somerset, TA24 6TH)
Now you’re really getting pretty close to the finish! Only a few more miles to go from here, and so take it all in and get some refreshments to get you ready for that final push…. Unless you’re doing the 100 of course, in which case you still have quite a long way to go ; )
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CP7: - WEST SOMERSET COLLEGE (Bircham Road, Minehead, TA24 6AY)
More of a checkpoint than an aid station but there will be some basic supplies here. This is also where you can access your drop bags and pick up your pacer if you have one. It would make an excellent place to meet your crew if you have one as well.
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CP8: - BOSSINGTON CAR PARK (Bossington Lane, Bossington, Somerset, TA24 8HQ)
After the ascent of North Hill and the massive descent of Bossington Hill, during which the views will have taken your breath away, you can refuel at this leafy National Trust car park before heading back out along the coast
CP9: - PORLOCK WEIR CAR PARK (Porlock Weir, Somerset, England, United Kingdom, TA24 8PB)
This is the main car park at Porlock Weir, and is just before you get into the woods to head up to Culbone Church, which is the smallest church in England! There are 24 hour public toilets at the car park and there is always a great atmosphere
CP10: - WEBBER'S POST, nr. DUNKERY BEACON (Luccombe, Nr. Porlock, Somerset, TA24 8TD)
Webber's Post car park is at the top of a big climb through the forest; it's impossibly atmospheric and is not too far from Dunkery Beacon - the highest hill in Somerset, and really the final big climb of the race
CPs11, 12 and 13 are Webber’s Post, Porlock Weir and Bossington again
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FURTHER RACE INFO FROM 2023 (2024 will be similar)
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SCHEDULE
Registration will begin at 6am for both races – it will take place at Active Fitness Gym, 30A Bridge Street, Taunton, TA1 1UB. There will be toilets here. The gym is located around the corner from the Morrisons supermarket in Taunton, which is at Priory Bridge Road, Taunton, TA1 1DX. To reach the gym from the Morrisons car park you go right around the left-hand side of the building, following it all the way round and through a narrow walkway on the other side. When you emerge from the other end of this walkway you will see an opening out onto the street. Before you get to this you will see the Coal Orchard pub on your left. The entrance to Activate Fitness is just before the pub – you will see the sign on the door with an intercom to get in but the gym manager will be there on the day and has said that the door will be open until registration is done. Activate Fitness is approximately a 2 minute walk from the Morrisons car park.
The 100 MILE RUNNERS WILL SET OFF AT 7am WITH A RACE BRIEFING AROUND 10 MINUTES BEFORE, THE FLAT 50 RUNNERS WILL SET OFF AT 7:30am WITH A RACE BRIEFING AROUND 10 MINUTES BEFORE. WE WILL WALK A SHORT DISTANCE TO CANAL ROAD FOR THE BRIEFINGS.
The official cut-off for the Flat 50 will be 9.30pm on Saturday 14th May, for the 100 miler it is 3pm on Sunday 15th. Because we will still be waiting for 100 miler and Hilly 50 runners we can give a bit of leeway for the Flat 50 but because the aid stations are manned by volunteers we still request that you try to finish within the cut-off if at all possible. If you are going to be an hour or so late then don’t panic, but much more than this we may have to request that if you continue you are to do so under your own steam. The cut-off time is designed so anyone with a reasonable degree of fitness can complete it. On the 100 miler we cannot give leeway on the final cut-off because people who have been up all night and have given up their time to help will need sleep!
The finish is at West Somerset College, Bircham Road, Minehead, TA24 6AY. There will be a large sports hall at the finish with toilets and showers available adjacent to the hall. You are welcome to stay as long as you need to up until our access to the hall ends at 3pm on the Sunday.
COACHES AND TRANSPORT
There will be a coach leaving from the finish at West Somerset College, Bircham Road, Minehead, TA24 6AY for the 100 miler and the flat 50 miler. There is free parking at the front of the college (obvious car park on the left when you pull in) for everyone who wants to get the coach. The coach will leave Minehead at 5.05am. The coaches will have to leave on time in order to get everyone to the registration location on time, so please arrive a little earlier if you wish to get the coach.
A small number of lifts can usually be arranged back to Taunton after the finish with people who are going that way and have space in their cars but unless you especially need to be back in Taunton the best option if you are not being picked up is to park in Minehead and get the coach to the race start. There are buses back to Taunton from Minehead but these only run at certain times and take around 2 hours to get back as they stop pretty much everywhere along the way! We will have a timetable at the race finish. PLEASE SEND A QUICK EMAIL TO albionrunning@hotmail.com IF YOU DO INTEND TO GET THE COACH SO WE HAVE AN IDEA OF NUMBERS.
PARKING
If you are not getting the coach and are wishing to park in Taunton near the race start here are the main options. Due to the location of the start it is very difficult to have a free parking option that doesn't involve a long walk to get to the start. Therefore the best options are as follows: -
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- BELVEDERE ROAD CAR PARK, BELVEDERE ROAD, TAUNTON, TA1 1BS – This car park is right opposite the registration location pretty much and so is your best bet in terms of proximity. It charges around £8.20 for a 24 hour period, which will cover the whole race even if you’re doing the 100 miler as it does not charge on a Sunday. This car park is right behind Taunton Swimming Pool and Activate Fitness is perhaps a 5 minute walk from here.
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- WOOD STREET CAR PARK, WOOD STREET, TAUNTON, TA1 1UR – This car park is around a 2-3 minute walk from the registration location – it charges around £8.20 for a whole day and does not charge on a Sunday. There is a barrier system so you pay for the ticket at a machine before leaving and then insert the ticket at the barrier, which will open it.
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DROP BAGS/PACERS/CREW
For the 100 miler, runners will be permitted a small drop bag for around the half way point at West Somerset College, Minehead. Runners doing the Flat 50 miler will be allowed a small drop bag for the finish at West Somerset College, but please keep these pretty small (no bigger than a normal-sized backpack) as we have limited space in vehicles – NO HEFTY SUITCASES/LARGE RUCKSACKS PLEASE!
If you are running the 100 Miler you will be allowed a pacer for the second half. You can pick up your pacer from the half way point at West Somerset College, Minehead or anywhere beyond here. Pacers are your responsibility (and their own) and must not obstruct any other runners in any way, plus must be responsible for their own transport etc.
If you want family/friends to meet you at various points along your way as a crew then this is permitted for both races. However, please bear in mind that some places along the route are easier to get to than others and parking is limited at some locations. The aid stations are generally good places to meet your crew, especially on the Hilly 50 route where a lot of the places you will run through are fairly ‘off the beaten path.’ Crew can give you food, water, hugs, blankets and basically anything that may get you disqualified in some other races as long as it’s legal/within the spirit of the race. They cannot give you performance enhancing drugs, you can sit in their vehicle as long as it is not in motion at the time, they cannot carry you or otherwise do anything that means you are not completing the course under your own steam. If you have any questions about any of this please e-mail for clarification 😊