“The organisers dubbed this race “Hell in Paradise”. I am sure that when they coined this phrase they never anticipated how right they would be.” This seven-day stage race lived up to its nickname in more ways than one. Eleven of the 27 starters didn’t make it to the...
It isn't too often that everything goes well and perhaps this is part of the attraction of the 24 hour race - the waiting for the perfect day and the perfect performance.Eleanor Adams The period from 1985 to 1990 saw top...
Imagine a time when women did not run in road races. Imagine a time when women were told distance running would harm their health. Imagine a time when running in a marathon meant risking being jeered at or even assaulted. This time was in my lifetime. I was born in...
Road races in the 1950s in the UK were very different from today's races. Most races were over 10 miles and distances varied. The only standard distances were 20 miles and the marathon. Petrol rationing ended in 1950 but the number of vehicles on the road was tenth of...
The first ultrarunning World Championships were created in 1987 when the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) held the inaugural 100km World Championships in Torhout, Belgium. What attracted top-class ultrarunners like Eleanor Adams to take part in this new...
British women have been very successful at the IAU 100km World Championships, taking seven gold medals, two silvers and six bronzes. They stand second in the medals table behind Russia who have won 19 medals. GB have won the team competition twice, placed second three...
At 10.30 am on 27th April 1983, the New South Wales Premier fired the starter’s gun on a race that was to make a national hero of its winner and create one of the most famous Australian ultramarathons, the Westfield Sydney to Melbourne race. Eleven men lined up in the...
In 2001, British ultrarunner Eleanor Robinson (formerly Eleanor Adams) was inducted into the International Association of Ultrarunners Hall of Fame. She was asked to choose the top ten performances of her career. The New York 6 Day Race was number six on her list....
In 2001, British ultrarunner Eleanor Robinson was inducted into the International Association of Ultrarunners Hall of Fame. She was asked to choose the top ten performances of her career. The Colac 6 Day Race was number five on her list. Here is an edited version of...