| Just one week after completing the LDWA (Long Distance Walking Association) 100 miles yomp up and down the Yorkshire Dales, Sandra Brown walked a very decisive race around Princes Beatrix Park in Rotterdam. Thinking she would need the whole 24 hours to complete the 100 miles, she did, in fact, finish in an amazing 20 hours and 14 minutes. The weather was forecast to be rather mixed over the weekend- varying from possible torrential downpour for Saturday morning to clear and sunny skies, climaxing in 81 degrees and severe storms on Sunday. Fortunately, not a drop of rain until after the finish - despite a thunder storm in the early hours of Sunday. Marcelino Sobszak (winner of Battersea park 100 miles in 2007) dropped out with hip problems after 7 hours with 62.809km leaving Sandra to finish well ahead of the rest of the field. Chris Flint (London Vids, but second claim SWC) finished strongly in 22:22:12 in 13th place. For Chris, this was his second 100 miles within 6 weeks, having competed in Bar le Duc in April. The Dutch RWV club put on a very good mix of races during their "Wandelweekend". Distances of 50km, 50 English miles, 100km, 100 English miles and a 24 hour race give walkers a chance to try and move up the distances in a very structured way. It also ensures the race is well attended with an overall field of 99 walkers. The 100 miles, 24 hour and 50km started at noon and with a generous 10 hour time limit for the 50km, it gave novices a taste of long distance racing. All walks operate from the small, friendly club-house of the Rotterdam club, which provides hot showers and serves refreshing, restorative teas, beers and sandwiches after the races. The organisation and support during the events are excellent, assuring everyone of an enjoyable walking experience in nice surroundings. The 100km race went off at 6pm - only three takers for this distance. Ad Leermakers, no stranger to our own 100 mile races, finished in 3rd place with 14.06.50. The last race and second popular distance was the 50 miles which kicked off at 8pm. The sun had disappeared behind the clouds by this time and the heat of the day was definitely fading. Kathy Crilley (SWC) was testing the water with this race, and not having walked this distance for several years, walked very steadily finishing 4th lady and 20th overall in 12hours 48 minutes. We were pleased to give the Dutch event our support (as our Dutch friends loyally support our 100 miles Centurion event) and the organisers were delighted to see us. This was Sandra’s 10th completion of the Continental 100 miles event over nearly 20 years; to win the 100 miles race just one week after the LDWA 100 miles was a most unexpected bonus. |
| 100m 1. Sandra Brown 20 hr 14 mins 23 secs (1st Lady); 13. C.Flint 22 hr 12 mins 59 sec 50m |