For many Solo runners at Endure24, running 100 miles is a lifetime goal. We caught up with 2024 participant Peter to find out more about the challenge of running this phenomenal distance.
Peter took part as a Solo runner this year whilst fundraising for Young Lives vs Cancer, one of our Gold Charity Partners. If you’re interested in taking on the 24-hour challenge whilst raising funds for a good cause, charity entries for 2025 are available now. Head to our Reading and Leeds Charity Entry pages for more information.
“Endure 24 was the most amazing 24 hours of running, encompassing a full spectrum of emotions.
Having previously run several marathons and ultras, I decided to challenge myself and see if I could run 100 miles within 24 hours. This was going to be a huge test of my physical and mental capacity but the perfect way to see what I was capable of achieving. I signed up for a Solo entry, raising money for the fantastic Young Lives vs Cancer charity.
The race is a 5-mile (8km) loop around Wasing Park near Reading. When the race began at midday on the Saturday, I had friends with me who were running as a Pair as well as hundreds of other Solos, Pairs and Teams. The route was absolutely breathtaking – despite the hill! I took it a lap at a time to settle into it.
“The route was absolutely breathtaking.”
The first 8 hours were fantastic and I was absolutely buzzing. The weather was perfect and everyone was on a high. However, as the night closed in and my energy levels began to fade, it took a huge effort going and I tried to forget I had another 16 hours to go! Blisters, cramps and eventual sickness at mile 70 were horrendous. I was very, very close to sleeping in my tent at 3am but encouragement from my running friends, remembering the money that had been raised so far for Young Lives vs Cancer and the realisation that I had to stay awake to complete the 100 miles kept me going.
As the sun began to rise, there was a sense of optimism and although there were much longer spells of walking, the end was in sight. With a lap to go, I saw my family and friends at the camp and it really pushed me to see out the 100 miles and obtain the yellow T-shirt. I felt very emotional as I crossed the line and it took a long time to realise what I had achieved after years of telling myself I couldn’t. I then collapsed in the sun with my medal before being driven home feeling a huge sense of relief and accomplishment.
“It took a long time to realise what I had achieved after years of telling myself I couldn’t.”
The whole event was incredible and I urge anyone to take part in any capacity. Whether you are attempting to push yourself to your absolute limit or have a bit of fun with friends and make a weekend of it, do it! By running and raising money for charity, I pushed myself further and harder. The sense of achievement is beyond a personal level and goes so far to helping others. Making friends with marshals and sharing stories with every kind of runner on the way round was an amazing feeling and something I will never forget.
Whatever your goal and whatever your ability – get involved! You might just surprise yourself.”
