Races

Chester Ultra 100

EnglandApril

England, April. 100 mi on 70% trail. +1,876 ft of climbing. 32 hours cutoff.

101 mi+1,876 ft-1,873 ft32 hours89 ft to 226 fttech 5/10Checkpoints per race booknew WSER qualifierWSER qualifierApril
Distance101 mi
Gain+1,876 ft
Loss-1,873 ft
Altitude89 ft to 226 ft
Technicality5/10
Air40°F to 70°F
Gradient profileOfficial race GPX
  • Start197 ft
  • High226 ft
  • Low89 ft
  • Finish200 ft

Geometryderived

Steepest drop102 ft-0.9% over 2.1 mi
Night miles38 misunset near 19:00 local

The cruxMoorland bogs, steep fells, and night navigation on unmarked paths (near mile 65)

Course DNA

The Course

Chester Ultra 100 runs 100 mi through England. +1,876 ft gain and -1,873 ft loss. Surfaces skew 70% trail / 20% path / 10% road. Moorland bogs, steep fells, and night navigation on unmarked paths. High point near 226 ft. Low near 89 ft. April temps run 40°F to 70°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 50.

The Work

Train for 1,876 feet of climbing across 100 mi. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 32 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 65.

Kit

April in England: plan for 40°F to 70°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 32 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 25. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 70% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 50.

Race Day

Hold effort through mile 25. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 50. Moorland bogs, steep fells, and night navigation on unmarked paths near mile 65 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 33 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.

Chester Ultra 100