How I won SVP100 in the middle of a heatwave

Saturday 13th August was the day in which I achieved something that I thought was almost impossible. “Almost”, because I was holding onto that little glimmer of hope where everything in my race plan would fall into place. I knew that such a scenario was unlikely, and if I was going to give it a shot, I would have to never give up. And here I am now, writing about how I won the SVP100 on one of the hottest days the UK has ever experienced.

My preparation for this race was thorough and a few weeks out I knew I had a good chance of a strong performance.

However, my original goal of achieving a course record had to be abandoned due to the hot weather. I also felt intimidated by some of the names on the start list, including a three-time Brighton Marathon champion and international GB athlete. Though I had two years of experience at ultramarathons, I was still relatively unknown. Although I had finished in the top ten in my previous 100k event, I had not yet had my breakthrough.

I used to get so nervous standing on the start line of long races. But this time, I knew I was ready for what lay ahead. I reminded myself that I was good at running in the heat, that my legs could handle the distance, that I was brave and that my mind was strong. I knew the dropout rate was going to be high and that achievements on paper didn’t matter when it came to the effects of heat.

After the first few miles on a treacherous, narrow, winding path, in which there were numerous falls from other runners, the terrain changed significantly to the golden fields which characterised the remainder of the race. Although many of the athletes chose a fast start to cover more ground before the heat arrived, I found myself in second place upon arrival at the first aid station, 12 miles in.

The positivity and excitement I felt at that aid station changed dramatically over the course of the following 11 miles, with several navigational errors costing time and causing frustration.

Combined with increasing dehydration from the rising temperature, I was not in a good place. With tears streaming down my face I questioned whether it would be irresponsible for me to continue, to put myself through more and more discomfort only to be unable to finish anyway. As I neared the second aid station I wiped the tears from my face and held on to the hope that this feeling would pass.

I was right. Upon entering this aid station I was told that I was leading the race, and my frustrations were replaced by motivation and determination to retain this placing. The most important thing I could do at this stage was to look after myself in the now 35 degree heat. I soaked my buff in ice-cold water, refilled my flasks with water and Tailwind, ate several slices of watermelon, and finally poured an ice-cold jug of water over my head, down my neck and all over my t-shirt. This would become my “aid station routine” for the remainder of the day.

The middle 15 to 20 miles were incredibly challenging, with an almost complete lack of shade and hills becoming more frequent.

Instead of trying to push on at this stage, I opted to keep my heart rate down by taking extended walking breaks. There was no point in breaking myself while I was already in the lead. Indeed, by concentrating my efforts on the navigation, I was able to save time in that aspect. As a result, I felt a lot more positive than the low point I experienced just before the second aid station.

What also really helped in the hottest part of the day was the support and camaraderie between participants, as well as from local people along the course. I was able to team up with locals in the men’s race so that we could help each other with navigation and motivation. And along the route, it was never too long before we came across the next family, the next couple, the next friendly face with a jug of water, a handful of sweets, or even just a smile and a few words of encouragement. And that’s what makes the ultra community so special.

The real turning point of my race came at mile 50, with a mere half marathon remaining. As I left the fifth aid station, I caught sight of the lady in second place. I knew that the distance between us was mere minutes, and that I had to push on to stay ahead. Having conserved my energy in the hottest part of the day, I knew that I had enough in my legs to finish fast.

Immediately, I increased the length of my running sections, keeping walking to a minimum. And even when I was walking, I walked like I meant it.

I learnt how to power walk properly after observing during my previous 100k that it was a weak point of mine. With the heat now fading and the sun getting close to the horizon, I knew that I really had to race to get to the finish before dark.

I decided to go more or less straight through the final aid station, as it was only 5 miles from the finish. By this point the race had almost broken me physically, but my mind was raring to go. Even though I was leading by 1 mile at this point, I knew that nothing was guaranteed. A final caffeine gel gave me the energy required to fly up the final climb and stay alert enough to navigate the final section before I was able to have my golden moment.

This day taught me so much, about the realisation of my own potential, about the kindness of other people, and about how to never, ever give up.

Mary Scott won SVP100 on 13th August 2022 in 13 hours and 54 minutes.