The Incredible Story of 100 Mile Ultramarathons

[@MihaiGoRunning]

Your recounting of the first 100-mile ultramarathon is not just fascinating but also incredibly inspiring, Ben, dear friend! It's amazing how much has changed over the years, yet the essence of pushing limits remains timeless. Your insights shed light on a journey that's both physically demanding and emotionally rewarding. Thanks for taking us along on this incredible adventure!

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks Mihai! Enjoyed making this one and digging into the history of ultras here in the UK. Hope all is going well with you

[@RunSensible]

Only half way through this and it's fantastic. I'll do the second half with my coffee later.

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks Neil! Hope you enjoy part two 😀

[@markcameron3]

Such humble guys talking from two ends of the scale, thank you for sharing

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks for watching Mark

[@KoiRun50]

Those talks of check points back then is making me hungry. What an incredibly unique film. I clicked right away. Well done 👍.

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks, yes the check points sounded epic. Hopefully they'll bring back some of those foods for modern ultras 😀

[@tworunningbrooms]

A brilliant video. You've managed to record those memories of an historic day in ultrarunning whilst those involved can clearly remember the events. I've recorded a bit of oral history myself of memories that would otherwise be lost to posterity so can appreciate the importance of this Vlog. I think you may have a book in you - the History of British Ultra Marathon Running.

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks. This was a really interesting one to make, to delve into the records and see what I could find out about the Downsman. And was very lucky to be able to make contact with David and Matt through the LDWA. Great to hear their experiences. I definitely want to continue looking into ultra history, it's inspiring to see where the sport came from

[@rogerfrost799]

Having started somewhat late in life and completed the last three LDWA 100s I found this fascinating and very well presented by you. Wonderful accounts of the first 100m event and so much remains the same - surviving on the wonderful grub provided by the ever friendly, dedicated and patient volunteers (and all those behind the scenes keeping us safe) without whom this amazing annual event would not exist. And if you don't make it there is the aptly named 'body wagon' to scoop you up!

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks Roger. I just joined the LDWA this year and next weekend will be doing my first event with them. I've heard a lot of good things about them so looking forward to it. That's great you've been doing their 100s, sounds like a great adventure and comaradery. I hope to do one of them one day and avoid the body wagon 🤞😀

[@mijzzzz]

we enjoyed watching. thank you.

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@MikeParsonsOutdoorGearCoach]

Thanks so much for putting this together, great memories. I know David Rosen and Miriam. And enjoying much running with them and always behind! I did my first KIMM in 1971 and eventually after Gerry Charley’s death too over the event, my sister Jen Longbottom organising and me continuing to compete. I could not run on roads so never did a marathon, so I switched into Nordic ski racing and did a few 90km events where dehydration was severe in such cold dry air. So I started using electrolytes sooner than most. KIT. Even the early KIMM had kit rules and even full inspection. As road runners started to come off road post London marathon we had to tighten the rules, which evenuatlly became the basis for all event kit rules. I am mainly a mountaineer skier and bike rider so it It was a shock to see the pics here of what was worn on the first 100. Mile. Thanks again.

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks for watching Mike and great to hear of your memories of the KIMM. The Nordic ski racing sounds amazing, I know there are a number of mountain and trail runners who alternate between the two sports depending on the season. I know what you mean with the clothes they are wearing on the start line, I couldn't believe it when I stumbled across it in Strider!

[@jaminlonghurst7382]

What a great film!

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@FilmMyRun]

I bet they finished at Bede School where we finish the Beachy head marathon

[@timeonfeet]

Yes I think it probably was, nice and close to the finish so they wouldn't have to walk too far after!

[@morgs4mountains]

Lovely video. I've been on the LDWA 100 treadmill for many years now and it was wonderful to listen to David and Matt talk about that very first Downsman 100. Long may the LDWA 100s continue!

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed! Hoping to get on the LDWA treadmill too over the next couple of year, just joined earlier this year 😃

[@RunningGeekGirl]

This was amazing! I love hearing from the old guard about how running used to be, way back before it was considered “normal” to go for a run or even a long walk! Thanks for tracking down all the info! 🤓

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks for watching Heather! Same, I find it fascinating to think about how ultras were in the early days 🤓

[@heathera5938]

That was brilliant and very inspiring.. thank you.

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed 🙏

[@alanwetherelt7155]

Really enjoyed the watch great topic

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks Alan

[@roychambers2900]

Great video - expanding content back through time and into walking/hiking - thank you.

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks Roy, glad you enjoyed 👍

[@julietmorrice3205]

What a lovely video ☺️ and some super impressive achievements from David and Matt! Really enjoyed it, thank you

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks for watching Juliet 😀 good to hear you enjoyed it

[@nicmarlow6388]

really interesting content, thanks Ben! 😀 David and Matt seemed like such fun people to speak to and such interesting history around long distance events. And seeing Matt says he walked it all in 35 hours, that's one hell of a pace to keep up for that long, huge respect! 👌 (also just seen in a lower comment that you might join Notley on one of his running adventures, this is exciting content too!)

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks Nic! It was pretty amazing how much they remembered from the event considering it was 50 years ago, I can't remember what events were like last year 😅 Really interesting to see what's changed with ultras but also what's stayed the same. Thanks for watching

[@will_hargreaves]

Superb video Ben! Thanks for the researching, interviewing, and putting it together 👍

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks for watching Will. It was good fun researching this and delving into some ultra history!

[@jadesveganlife]

Brilliant video Ben, I really enjoyed it. Taking on my first 100 this year and found it really inspiring hearing the tips at the end for getting through the night and into dawn, as that’s the area that makes me the most nervous!

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks Jade. I'd definitely agree with Matt that the night is not as bad as it sounds though I can't say I've ever done two nights in a row like he has! You just find a rhythm and it's quite an adventure to be out at that time.

[@talinehalpern]

Absolutely brilliant, what a great watch! Loved listening to David and Matt talk about their experiences so many years ago. Thank you Ben, excellent job, I always look forward to your videos.

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks so much Taline, hope you had a good run out there today 😀 I'll see you at the Sussex Trail Runners February run if you're heading to that

[@ianl4518]

This is a very lovely film and done with a great deal of respect and humility. Well done.

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks for watching Ian, appreciate the kind words

[@ianl4518]

No problem Ben. I DNFd Arc100 a couple of weeks ago, so SDW100 is the next big race for me. (which I've also DNFd before 🤦‍♂😅 )

[@timeonfeet]

@@ianl4518 SDW100 is such a great event, I might see you there - I'm pacing a friend for some of it this year. I've heard the Arc is a bit of a beast!

[@jamesm6830]

This is really really good.

[@timeonfeet]

@@jamesm6830 thanks James

[@RunningJustALittleBitGreener]

This is so interesting. Been waiting for this since you mentioned it on the trip to NRS. This is so good. Love delving into the history. 👊🏻💚

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks Darren, it's been a really interesting one to put together and find out about what ultras were like in the early days. Thanks for watching 🙏

[@reubengallop]

Great video Ben. SDW 100 holds a special place in my heart aha as I actually completed it aged 20 in 2022. I sometimes wondered if I was the youngest to complete it but really cool to see 18 year old Alan Rosen complete it many years before me.

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks Reuben! Technically you'll still be the youngest finisher if not one of the youngest finishers on the SDW100 as the Downsman was a separate event. SDW100 is such a great event, I definitely want to go back to it at some point! Thanks for watching

[@reubengallop]

Thanks Ben haha interesting stuff! Subscribed @@timeonfeet

[@timeonfeet]

@@reubengallop Thanks Reuben 👍

[@bev9708]

Just soooo interesting Ben, thanks so much to you, David and Matt!! Btw Ben, have you thought of joining Ben Notley on his big running adventure next October ??? Would sure be awesome to see a few of the KZbin running Bens get together for a big adventure !!!

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks Bev! It was a privilege to speak to David and Matt and hear their stories. I'm hoping to join Ben for some of his adventure in October, I love a good DIY ultra 😀

[@bev9708]

@@timeonfeet THAT is great to hear Ben, I sure hope more "Ben"s will join you!! I'm so looking forward to seeing a few of my favourite youtubers out on an adventure together!!

[@FilmMyRun]

Great video Ben

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks Stephen

[@alanflitton9340]

Nice one Ben.

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks Alan

[@markg99]

Really enjoyed that, Ben. Well done mate 👍🏻

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks Mark 😀

[@Leeroy49]

This must've been a lot of work to produce. Great work. How things have changed over time :).

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks Leeroy 🙏

[@benpollock104]

Really great video, looking at races from the past is so interesting and brilliant guests that you found.

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks Ben, really enjoyed making this one and learning about the history of ultras. Was great to talk to David and Matt

[@BenNotley]

Absolutely fascinating Ben. Great idea for a video mate I loved it! 👌 Hearing from David and Matt was incredible. Those guys are true trail blazers! 😎🤘

[@timeonfeet]

Cheers Ben! It was really interesting to speak with them both and hear what the world of ultras was like back then and also find out more about the LDWA. Looking forward to doing one of their events later this year 😀 thanks for watching mate

[@michaelbennett6778]

I somehow missed this until now Ben! What a fabulously well put together film. Even more interesting to me as I’ve been an LDWA member for the last 15 years and completed a lot of challenge events in Kent and Surrey and more recently entered into 100 milers . Love the distance but am not sure about a second night !!😅 Thanks Ben !

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks Michael! I just joined the LDWA this year so I'm hoping to do my first event soon - probably the Surrey Tops Challenge event in September. Love the ethos behind it. I've got a couple of friends doing the 100 in Speyside as we speak. Hoping to do one in the future!

[@michaelbennett6778]

Yes The Surrey Tops is a good one to do as it’s only held every 4th year I think and it’s a qualifier for a 100. I should try and do it. I have done lots of Winter Tanners, Punchbowl marathons, Sevenoaks circulars, High Weald challenges all highly recommended 👍

[@timeonfeet]

@@michaelbennett6778 didn't realise it was only every 4 years for the Surrey Tops, I need to make sure I sign up! Sign up is July I think so will be on that. Those events sounds great, will definitely check them out. The 100 next year is Norfolk and then Kent the year after so nice and accessible from down South!

[@doctorducky6403]

I still have one of those plastic orange mugs, and carry it at the occasional event even now.

[@timeonfeet]

Good to hear it's still serving you well for events!

[@doctorducky6403]

It hung off my pack at the North Downs Way 100 a few years ago. Someone asked, "Are you from the LDWA?"

[@timeonfeet]

@@doctorducky6403 Do they still have them at LDWA events? I'm doing my first LDWA event later this year so wonder if I'll spot any!

[@MikeParsonsOutdoorGearCoach]

I am writing the story of the 2-day mountain marathon, KIMM / OMM and....... it's a marathon! The story of the 2008 event in Borrowdale will be a separate story of itself.

[@timeonfeet]

Oh nice, will that be for a book, article or blog? Would be great to have a read of it

[@MikeParsonsOutdoorGearCoach]

I am doing it as part of my life story which will take me some while! 'ADVENTURE INNOVATION' is the title but i won't be soon! @@timeonfeet

[@timeonfeet]

@@MikeParsonsOutdoorGearCoach That sounds great, hope writing the rest of it goes well, big project!

[@AhenChannel]

Video yang bagus

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks!

[@carlstoakes6240]

Nice...

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks Carl 👍

[@reluctantfellrunner]

We build on those that went before us. Bet wishes out there everyone.

[@timeonfeet]

Certainly do 👍 Thanks for watching