In May 2023, the Elephant, Bear and Bull 100 (EBB100) took place in the West Midlands. Embarking on a 100-mile walk is no small feat and with a 48-hour cutoff time, not all our heroes will reach the finish line. Will 79-year-old Len Fallick complete his 41st consecutive hundred? There’s only one way to find out.
Simon Pipe’s touching films bring us into the heart of the adventure, where you can witness the personal joy, pain and tenacity of long-distance walkers of all ages and abilities — pushing their limits to achieve something truly incredible.
Join us in this series of three videos that document this historic event. Sit back, relax and celebrate the achievements of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
This video is Part 1 of 3
Part 2 https://youtu.be/OLnjldyoP3A
Part 3 https://youtu.be/sIra8gZOf_A
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After 50 years, the LDWA Hundred is recognised as the world’s longest-running 100-mile ultramarathon. A total of 455 starters took on this challenge, which connected the West Midlands enclaves of Birmingham, Warwick and Coventry on foot. The route, an anticlockwise loop, also took in the Lickey Hills and Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon before winding back, via tranquil canals, to the HQ in Moseley, Birmingham. Of the 455 starters, 343 (74%) successfully completed the full route within the time limit.
In 1973, The Downsman 100 marked the first LDWA 100-mile challenge walk, tracing the South Downs Way from Winchester to Eastbourne. Of the 123 starters, 66 (53%) reached the finish line. Except for two years of enforced cancellations (due to Foot & Mouth Disease and Covid-19), the annual Hundred has been a staple of the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, although its location varies each year.
The Hundred moves to Scotland for the Speyside 100 in May 2024.
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The LDWA, powered entirely by volunteers, organises walking challenges nationwide, welcoming walkers, runners and everyone in between.
Special thanks go to EBB100 Event Director Michael Jones, the event committee, 100s coordinator Sara Dyer and the army of EBB100 volunteers. The camaraderie, support and care shown to participants are unparalleled.
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Walk | Jog | Race
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3 Comments
Nice one Simon! A super reminder of what fabulous events these are. I'm to be joined by my son in law as well as daughter this year who came along last year (although they are now fitter and should soon be well ahead leaving me to chat to the amazing people you come across on route as I did on my first event the TP).
Superb production, well done to all concerned in putting this together, and especially to the participants.
OMG! It's so funny to see myself on the video. Thank you so much Simon. It’s a great reminder of the fantastic event last year. Hope I will be shining again this year. 😂