Centurion Autumn 100 Mile Ultra Marathon

Centurion Autumn 100 Mile Ultramarathon

Looking for a PB or your first 100 mile buckle? The Centurion Autumn 100 Miler Ultra (A100) is widely regarded as one of the best courses in the UK to get the job done.

Set in the picturesque twinned villages of Goring and Streatley on the River Thames, this race offers a unique "cross" format that breaks the daunting 100 mile distance down into four manageable 25 mile chunks. It’s the final event in the prestigious Centurion Grand Slam and a brilliant way to cap off your ultra running year.

Course

The beauty of the Centurion Autumn 100 (A100) lies in its logistics. Instead of a point-to-point journey, the race consists of four separate out-and-back spurs, each returning to the main Race HQ at Goring Village Hall. This means you have access to your drop bag, hot food, and indoor warmth every 25 miles – a massive psychological boost when the night draws in.

• Spur 1 (North): A flat run along the Thames Path to Little Wittenham and back.
• Spur 2 (East): A journey along the Ridgeway to Swyncombe Farm. This is the "hilly" leg, featuring the Grim's Ditch section, but don't panic it's rolling rather than mountainous.
• Spur 3 (West): Heading out on the Ridgeway towards Chain Hill. This section is often exposed to the wind but offers classic wide trail running.
• Spur 4 (South): The final leg takes you along the Thames Path to Reading. It’s flat, fast, and often the mental crux of the race as you navigate the dark river paths toward the finish.

The terrain is a mix of trail (approx. 80%) and road (20%), and with a total elevation gain of around 1,500m (5,000ft) distributed over 100 miles, it is undeniably runnable.

The format makes this 100 mile ultra marathon incredibly runner-friendly. The ability to reset every 25 miles at Goring prevents the logistical headaches of linear races; you don't need a support crew (in fact, crews are not permitted at this event due to parking constraints at aid stations), making it perfect for the solo runner.

While the course is fast, the challenge comes from the season. It’s mid-October, so expect up to 13 hours of darkness. You might get a crisp, golden autumn day, or you might get classic British wind and rain. Navigating the dark, lonely spurs requires focus, but the legendary Centurion aid stations, stocked with everything from fruit to hot sausage rolls, will keep you moving. For more info, including registration details, please visit the official Centurion Running website.