I’ve dusted off my previous page at https://www.julianwhite.uk/ldwa-100/ all about the LDWA 100 to bring it up to date for 2026.
Here’s entrant Simon Hodgin with me at the marshal’s event as we needed refreshment as supporting the Norfolk & Suffolk group was exhausting. There’s a long interview with Simon and volunteering on the podcast, of which much more very soon! But here’s a quick interview about what he’s expecting at the main event.
Q. Could you briefly introduce yourself and how many 100s you’ve completed?
A. Simon Hodgin, a member of the Norfolk and Suffolk group. I’ve entered and completed seven 100s to date.
Q. Having supported others on the marshal’s event, what were your first impressions of this year’s Hunnypot 100?
A. Like all 100s, it’s different to the others. More hills than the Suffolk 100, but with some spectacular countryside to enjoy.
Q. Are there any particular sections of the route that you think entrants will especially enjoy or that you’re looking forward to?
A. I think entrants will especially enjoy the last 100 metres of the route! Joking aside, there seems a lot to enjoy. For me, it’s anything in daylight.
Q. Do you think there are any parts of the route that seemed more challenging than expected, either because of the terrain, navigation, timing or the general little arrangements that make a 100 what it is?
A. There are more hills to navigate in the final section, so it’s a reminder to everyone to pace themselves. Generally, I really think it depends on who you are and, importantly, how you are feeling at any particular part of the route.
Q. What makes a good checkpoint or marshal interaction when someone arrives tired, hungry or wondering why they have made such a lifestyle choice?
A. It’s the support and encouragement you get when entering any checkpoint. The marshal role really is important, not only to make sure you are drinking and eating enough, but also to mentally help those who may need a little encouragement from time to time.
Q. What advice would you give to someone taking on their first 100, especially if they’re nervous about the distance, the night section or keeping themselves moving?
A. Walk at your pace and don’t get carried along in the early miles by faster walkers. Remember, if you’ve done the training, the chances are you can go the distance.
Unless you are very unlucky with an injury, it’s all about overcoming the mind in the later miles when it questions why you are doing this. Ignore the questions, put one foot in front of the other and keep going.
Q. What do you think makes the LDWA 100 special, both for the people walking it and for the people helping to make it happen?
A. It’s a unique event: the challenge, the atmosphere and the support you get all the way along the route. Ultimately, you are challenging yourself. Everyone there, be it other walkers, marshals or supporters, wants you to succeed.
Q. Finally, could you be tempted to enter one of the Spine races?
A. You’ll just have to wait and see! [I think he will, he’s still young enough to do it! – Julian]