Centurion quite simply are the gold standard of ultra racing. They aren't the cheapest but for from being expensive. They get everything right. It's professional, slick and doesn't come with any gimmicks or messing about. The cut-offs are challenging (I scrapped in by 12 minutes!!) but not ridiculous. 

The North Downs is a truly beutiful place. You wont think that while climbing boxhill steps or any of the other 4 million steps on the route but its a phenonomal landscape. Aid stations are exactly what you need as an ultra runner. Get food and drink thrown at you then a kick up the bum to get on with the run. They are staffed by volunteers who love it. 

Incredibly difficult race where I blew up but would 100% recommend (I think I'm back next year!)

I wanted to try a Centurion race after hearing such good things about them. This one definitely lived up to the hype. Everyone was very friendly and helpful, even to us back of pack runners, and the atmosphere was fun & friendly like a big family throughout. Everything operated like a well oiled machine, no faffing about, no wasting time- seemless organisation. 

The route is beautiful with great views and scenery and quite diverse- woodland paths, open downs, lots of hills, stepping stones across the river...so it keeps it interesting. 

Definitely recommend this race, it is now one of my favourites.

First time running with Centurion after having heard lots of good things about them.  One thing you have to take into account on any of the Centurion Running races is that there is a mandatory kit check at the start.  Don't try and argue that you don't need X or Y because of some reason.  It's one rule for all.  If a light source is listed, have a light source, a mobile phone does not equal a light source.

Anyway the event was good, great briefing from James Elsons before we walked down to the NDW trail head in Farnham and we were off.  I've run the first 33 of the NDW a number of times so remember it quite well these days. It's a lot easier to run in the Sun than in the cold rain and ice of Februrary ;)

Great CP's with enthusisatic volunteers with a great selection of snacks. Also they now have tailwind nutrition available at all CP's which is fantastic :)

So all in all great race, well supported, at the finish they organise your bag for you and get your t-shirt in your size, no waiting around to find out where to go for that.

Some great memories running on the NDW this year with some great friends and some great photos.  I will be back :)

http://robsrunningatoz.blogspot.co.uk/2018/05/centurion-north-downs-way-50-2018.html?m=1 (full blog report)

seamless organisation, brilliantly stocked checkpoints, well marked for easy navigation, a beautiful course which challenges you in so many ways

if the distance doesn’t challenge you then the trail will as you have to watch your footing on the trail adding to the challenge, you’re tested early on in the race with a runable flat section easy to run and race but don’t be fooled, after box hill, colley hill, caterham and botley hill await for you to test your legs!

great race swagger shirt and bling and fingers crossed for stunning weather 

Forget the ratings out of 5... overall, for me at least, this race gets 10/10.

This year (2017) was the first time I'd run an ultra distance other than in training for it (but even then I'd topped out at 29 miles).

The route, which takes you through the North Downs Way for 50 miles, is stunning, beautiful, awesome.  The views are truly special, the course is brutal in places and a bit unfair (the second half is more challenging than the first...which itself is challenging enough); the organisation by Centurian is absolutely first class and the aid stations, manned as they are by volunteers, are awesome and packed with all manner of goodies.  You refill on any kind of sandwiches, sweets, biscuits, crisps, fruit and drink (for me it was grapes, melon, pinapple and the the brilliant, Tailwind) and then you're on your way again.

And once you've finished you get a terrific medal!

I was subject to a random kit check at the end and I was helped to a chair, given a cup of tea and a hot dog and made to feel like a hero.

I cannot fault this race - if trail running is your thing and you want to go long and be challenged, then do it.

Obviously you will spend a lot of time out there on your own, with no local support or marshall's - but it's 50 miles long ...what do you expect ;)