Harry's story of his challenge completing the Robin Hood 100

Reflections on a Challenging Race Day

After months of preparation, race day can often lead to unexpected twists, and for one dedicated runner, it was no different. With four to five months of rigorous training under his belt, he approached the race with confidence, only to be met with an unforeseen hurdle: an exceptionally hot Saturday.

“Honestly, it didn’t pan out as I had expected. Having run for about ten years now, it felt natural to approach the race confidently. However, it turned out to be incredibly humid. After about 20 miles, I felt like I was boiling over and struggled to intake enough calories. With such a long distance ahead, consistent fuelling is crucial. I ended up being sick around the 20-mile mark, and with 80 miles still to go, I thought to myself, ‘There’s no way I can finish.’”

Faced with this daunting reality, he had to adapt quickly. “One of my go-to strategies for long distances is using calorie drinks—powdered mixes that provide necessary energy. However, I found them overwhelmingly sweet, which only added to my nausea. I decided to dial back on those, opting instead for water and some salty snacks to play it safe. Once you start feeling sick, it can really derail everything.”

The course itself presented a blend of beauty and challenge, starting at South Wheatley and winding its way along the canal towards Worksop before looping through Clumber Park, Sherwood Forest, and Wellbeck. “It’s essentially a straight line, but having those loops helps break it down mentally. I focused on tackling it in sections, taking it ten miles at a time.”

Despite the struggles, he found camaraderie among fellow participants. “It was a well-organised event with around 150 participants. By the end, I noticed that about two-thirds had dropped out, and I realised I wasn’t alone in facing challenges. Initially, I thought my issues stemmed from my own calorie management, but it became clear that the weather affected everyone.”

Acknowledging the unpredictability of sports, he reflected, “I participate in various races, and issues can arise from anything—weather, clothing, or footwear. But the key is maintaining your focus on finishing and adapting your mindset throughout the race.”

Looking ahead, he mentioned an upcoming event. “Yes, the Harriers are hosting the Workshop Half. I won’t be running it myself, but our group will be volunteering at the aid stations. It’s scheduled for the last Sunday in October—around the 27th.”

This year, the event holds special significance. “Absolutely! We’re using Sam’s name as the chosen charity, which feels really meaningful. I knew Sam, and we shared some good laughs, so it’s great to rally support in his honour.”

In terms of personal fundraising, he shared, “As for my own goal, I’ve raised about £650 from the 100 miles I’ve done. I’m genuinely pleased with that. It’s important to me to raise funds, especially for longer distances.”

The sense of community surrounding these events is clear. “It’s inspiring to see how the community comes together, supporting one another. I believe there’s been a shift in how different clubs and communities communicate and collaborate now. We get a lot of outreach, and we’re always eager to help.”

Reflecting on his own race goals, he remarked, “From a charity perspective, I aimed to raise £500, which seemed like a reasonable target. I knew I had a supportive network. I also aimed to finish in around 20 hours, but ended up with 22. The weather changes can really impact your performance, and you just have to adapt.”

Despite the challenges, he remained resilient. “When things started to decline around 20 miles, I still felt it was achievable, but I didn’t want to push too hard. I was aware of my body’s signals.”

In the end, it’s clear that the experience was a blend of struggle and community spirit, showcasing the heart and determination that defines the running world.