On Saturday 15th March, I participated in the Hundred Hills 50 km – a race through the heart of the Chiltern Hills. The race started at Stonor Park and consisted of two different 25km loops. With the route comprising of 4000ft ascent, it took in some truly beautiful trails which showed the picturesque villages, ancient woodlands and rolling hills off to perfection.
The winning men’s time was an incredible 3:42:54 (Joseph Turner) and the winning women’s time was 4:37:00. I finished first in my age category in 5:54:36. Awards were presented as you crossed the finish line. The RD seemed very impressed with my time and told me I’d have to run in more of Centurion’s events. There were many people faster than me (149 to be precise) – he was only impressed because I’m so old 
!
!With somewhat weary/sore quads from the previous day’s descent, I then ran the Sevenoaks Circular (30 miles) the following day. I’d mistakenly entered this event thinking it was the week after the HH50km, rather than the next day! It was a new route this year and, after the mud fest of last year, it was completely dry underfoot. It started and finished through Knole Park, running to Kemsing and then a 10 mile loop over the ND (more hills!) before returning to Kemsing and back via Igtham Moat. Despite a fair bit of road, it was a very scenic route. Made even better by the fact I ran the right way round this year! I ran a more leisurely pace to finish in 6:40:00.
Apologies for not reporting at the time, but earlier in the year (19th January), I ran The Winter Tanners (30 miles). Perfect conditions underfoot, so very different from the flooded conditions of the previous year. This was my fourth year running this challenge and I finished in 5:30:00.
Then on 9th March I ran The Devil’s Punchbowl for the first time. The day was unfortunately very misty which. whilst detracting from the amazing views, did make it very atmospheric running past the sandstone statues of Langley Vale.
Tara Taylor
