01 / KNOW THE ROUTE
What the course asks of you
Find a rhythm across changing ground
The route links the Surrey and Kent Downs, with Box Hill and later climbs around the Medway and Detling among its features. Prepare for changes between woodland, open trail and road. Each change offers a useful moment to check your effort and settle again.
Make the second half feel familiar
Include some longer outings that finish on rolling terrain. Practise returning to an easy run after hiking a climb, keeping your stride comfortable. The useful skill is moving smoothly between tasks while you continue eating and drinking.
02 / BUILD THE BLOCK
How to prepare
Build climbing into ordinary weeks
Use local hills consistently, beginning with a dose that fits your present running. Mix comfortable uphill running with purposeful hiking. Strength work and gradual downhill practice can help you keep control across repeated descents; allow recovery as those sessions grow.
Rehearse the overnight routine
On a familiar route, practise using your headtorch, checking directions and finding layers in your pack. Arrange sensible support and start with a manageable outing. A successful rehearsal leaves you knowing where everything is and how to make the next decision calmly.
Connect the pieces on longer outings
Use selected long runs to bring together terrain, fuel and kit. Plan the outing around a purpose, such as eating comfortably on a climb or keeping stops organised. Record what worked so the next rehearsal becomes simpler. Consistency across the block matters more than any single distance.
Bring your running and strength work together. Explore MaxMile for your North Downs Way 100 preparation, or compare our personal coaching options.
03 / PUT IT INTO PRACTICE
Pace the race you have trained for
Begin with an effort that makes conversation and regular eating straightforward. Let hiking be a deliberate tool on steeper climbs and return to running as the ground becomes comfortable. Think of each checkpoint as the start of another manageable section.
Include stopped time in your schedule and work from the organiser’s checkpoint limits. Later in the race, a simple sequence helps: check direction, adjust a layer if needed, take fuel and settle into the next stretch. Keep your attention on safe footing and the section ahead.
04 / MAKE ROOM FOR TRAINING
When should your block start?
An example 24-week block ending on 7 August 2027 begins on 20 February 2027. Use that as a planning marker, with a consistent running base already in place. Your own preparation may need more time.
Map work, family commitments and other races into the calendar first. Build the specific hill and long-run work gradually, make room to recover between demanding outings, then ease the load towards race day. Regular, manageable weeks give you a strong foundation for the adventure ahead.
05 / SORT THE PRACTICAL BITS
Kit and race-weekend planning
Rehearse shoes, socks and pack on comparable terrain. Check the full mandatory kit list and test both your primary light and backup before race week. Carry the current route file alongside the organiser’s navigation instructions.
As this is a point-to-point race, plan the journey to Farnham and the trip home from Ashford separately. Arrange a clear finish meeting point and review the current crew and supporter rules before giving anyone a route or timetable.