Darren Waters from Newport & District Running Club took part in the Cotswold Way 100 last weekend, a 102-mile trail race, covering the entire distance of the Cotswold Way, with over 15000 feet of ascent. Afterwards, he was kind enough to send us this report on the race.
Starting in Chipping Campden, the route winds its way across the Worcester and Gloucester countryside, normally finishing at Bath Abbey, but slightly shortened as a mark of respect to those visiting the Abbey this weekend.
The Cotswold Way designers wanted to make sure that you took in every chocolate box village, folly, tower, monument or view that makes up the Cotswold AONB. This makes for a route that is constantly climbing up to the next peak or dropping down to take in another picture book village.
The route starts with a climb up to Broadway tower then heads down to Broadway before the next climb over Stumps Cross to drop down into Winchcombe. Next, the highest point of the route, the long climb up Cleeve hill which has fantastic views across the Gloucester Plain and onto the Malverns before dropping down to Aggs hill which marks the marathon distance point.
Climbing again to summit Crickley hill, the route heads to Birdlip where a stunning sunset made the climb worth the effort. On then to Coopers hill (the steepest slope in Gloucester and home to the annual cheese rolling race) before dropping down to Painswick, which marks the halfway point. This was a good opportunity to change into night run attire and refuel on the vegetarian chilli on offer, before heading out into the night.
The route then heads to Stroud before climbing once more up to Coaley peak, marking the 100k point of the route. On then to Dursley Hill, with a trip around the perimeter – during the day this offers up panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, but it felt a long way in the dark. Dropping down to Wotton-on-Edge, the route then climbs over to Horton where a welcome sunrise and cheese and marmite sandwiches set me up for the final 25 miles. A flatter section follows through the villages of Old Sodbury and Chipping Sodbury before heading out to Tomarton.
Crossing the M4, it traverses Dyrham park and climbs up to Lansdown race course where Bath is within touching distance. The route is not finished with you yet however, taking you around Lansdown race course, before heading out to the West of Bath. Just as you thought the hills were done, it takes in a final sharp climb before dropping into Royal Victoria Park and to the finish.
Darren finished in 23rd place in just over 29 hours in a race with a high attrition, over 50% of the people who started failed to finish.
Newport & District Running Club 