Rob Nugent: South Downs Way 100 2025

Today’s episode is a special one. We’re diving into the 2025 South Downs Way 100—a race that’s not just a UK classic anymore, but now part of the World Trail Majors. That’s right, the SDW100 has officially gone global.

While the front of the field was electric—Mark Darbyshire shattered the course record, Peter Newman went out like a rocket, and Lucy Gossage and Julie Davis delivered one of the most thrilling women’s races we’ve seen—we’re zooming in on a different kind of hero.

Our guest is a good mate, cohost of the pod, a seasoned ultra-runner, and someone I had the absolute pleasure of crewing alongside co-host Sarah. He ran a blistering 19 hours and 13 minutes, and we’re unpacking the hot, emotional, and snack-fuelled miles that got him there.

From the early climbs through the rolling Downs, to the dark hours of the night, to the final push into Eastbourne—we talk strategy, suffering, aid station saviours, and yes, a few fails along the way.

So lace up, grab a flapjack, and let’s get into it.