2 May 2014

GB & NI’s top ultra-runners will flock to Kent on Saturday 3 May in a bid to be crowned British Athletics 100k champion, in a race which incorporates the Anglo Celtic Plate and World Championship trials.

The stand out name in the field is Steve Way, who recently won finished third Brit at the Virgin Money London Marathon, revising his personal best to 2.16.27. Way clocked 6.40 at the Stockholm 100k last year meaning few would bet against him around the Cyclopark course in Kent.

Way’s biggest competition is likely to come from Belgian Pieter Vermeesch who was fourth at last years’ European 100km Championship, and boasts a personal best of 6.47. Also in the mix for the medals will be England trio Craig Holgate, Andrew James and Andrew Hayden, who all have bests of just outside seven hours.

In the women’s race, experienced GB & NI international Karen Rushton, Welsh 24 hour specialist Jen Salter and England’s Helen Taranowski are all expected to be to the fore.

Incorporated into the championship is the Anglo Celtic Plate, an annual event in which the home nations of England, Scotland and Wales compete. The 2014 race is extra special as it marks the twentieth running of this prestigious event.

Alongside the team event, the race is also the official trial race for those aiming to represent Great Britain & Northern Ireland at the 2014 IAU 100km World Championships, which will take place in Daugavpils, Latvia in September.

In addition to the National 100k there will also be a National 50k race incorporating the England Athletics National Ultra Championships. Top contenders in the men’s race are likely to be Paul Fernandez and Julian Rendall, whilst in the ladies race Emily Gelder and Hannah Oldroyd are the names to look out for.

The Cyclopark venue is extremely spectator friendly and can be accessed free of charge. There is an onsite café, free Wi-Fi and a pavilion with a view of the course.

For further information please visit: http://www.national100k.com