10 reasons why I love the Centurion North Downs Way 50

I love this race. Best race of the year. And if I can, I think I'll be like good ol' Ken Fancett and run it every year.

It's the weather, the people and the route that make it (isn't that everything Sean!?). The sun is out, it's an opportunity to get a tan, just to feel human even, and know that the grey of Winter and early Spring is finally gone.

10 reasons why I love the North Downs Way 50

Always smiling out on route

The stepping stones before the stairs
Photo credit: Centurion Running website.

1. Everyone is as happy as you are that the sun is out and you feel like Summer has arrived and will last forever
2. The ground is hard and that means fast running with minimal effort
3. You'll get a tan if you show your skin
4. You don't need to carry that much kit or wear that much either
5. There's plenty of water at the stops to get some over your head, and the refreshing water stop at the church is a dream come true
6. You'll get in before dark where you can have as many sausages as your face desires and watch other runners come in
7. The route is full of hills, twists, turns and stunning views
8. And it's extraordinarily easy to follow as well
9. Plenty of other runners to get to know and millions of Duke of Edinburgh teens to nod at
10. Volunteers are ace and want you only to succeed

2019 is full (it fills early), but the North Downs Way 100 still has some spaces and happens to be another favourite race (at least up until the last 15 miles).

North Downs Way 50 route