5 things I learned at the (Summer) Centurion Running Wendover Woods 50k

Having done the 50 mile version there wasn’t much for me to learn, or so I thought

1. James Elson offered to “get everyone off” at the start, which was new
2. Even though the day hadn’t been all that warm, the temperature in the cloud-covered evening was far hotter than expected. If I was running the event again I’d start in a vest, and I certainly wouldn’t have brought my merino buff
3. I usually pack some back-up energy gels for when things are getting tough, but I really shouldn’t have bothered – there’s no need for any additional ‘what-if’ items. If you really want them, add them to the drop bag
4. Mud trainers were a god-send. If I’d attempted them in my regular Summer trail trainers, I’d have quit. There’s plenty of really loose mud – and don’t hope that a Summers day will dry it all out
5. It’s a bacon sarnie at the end, not hotdogs. I was crushed.

The Wendover Woods 50k in 2021 was run in the Summer alongside the Wendover 100.

Would I run the Wendover Woods 50k again?

Yeah, I think so. As a Summer run, and I’m finding that I’m more of a warm weather runner than ever before, it’s a great evening out. Wonderful crew, organisation, marking, course, and a decent medal too. But those hills may make you regret your decision.