Valleys 100 - Choosing A Start Time

Table 1: Maximum average speed to each checkpoint
CP Name Total
Miles		 Opening
Time		 Max average
mph from
10:00 start		 Max average
mph from
14:00 start
1  Cwmcarn   8.3  12:00  4.2  -
2  Maesycwmmer  18.0  14:30  4.0  -
3  Trallwn  25.9  16:30  4.0  10.4
4  Llanwonno  32.4  18:20  3.9  7.5
5  Abercynon  37.3  19:30  3.9  6.8
6  Gelligaer  42.8  21:00  3.9  6.1
7  Deri  46.6  22:00  3.9  5.8
8  Bute Town  52.3  23:50  3.8  5.3
9  Tredegar  55.7  01:00  3.7  5.1
10  Pen y Fan Pond  62.9  03:10  3.7  4.8
11  Nantyglo  70.9  05:30  3.6  4.6
12  Cwmavon  79.7  08:00  3.6  4.4
13  Keeper's Pond  84.0  09:20  3.6  4.3
14  Llanellen  89.5  11:00  3.6  4.3
15  Penperlleni  95  12:30  3.6  4.2
16  Folly Tower  98.1  13:30  3.6  4.2
   Pontypool  100.2  14:00  3.6  4.2
 
Table 2: Minimum average speed to each checkpoint
CP Name Total
Miles		 Closing
Time		 Min. average
mph from
10:00 start		 Min. average
mph from
14:00 start
1  Cwmcarn   8.3  17:00 1.2 2.8
2  Maesycwmmer  18.0  20:30  1.8  2.8
3  Trallwn  25.9  23:15  2.0  2.8
4  Llanwonno  32.4  01:30  2.1  2.8
5  Abercynon  37.3  03:45  2.1  2.7
6  Gelligaer  42.8  06:30  2.1  2.6
7  Deri  46.6  08:30  2.1  2.5
8  Bute Town  52.3  11:00  2.1  2.5
9  Tredegar  55.7  12:45  2.1  2.5
10  Pen y Fan Pond  62.9  16:30  2.1  2.4
11  Nantyglo  70.9  20:15  2.1  2.4
12  Cwmavon  79.7  00:30  2.1  2.3
13  Keeper's Pond  84.0  02:30  2.1  2.3
14  Llanellen  89.5  05:00  2.1  2.3
15  Penperlleni  95  07:30  2.1  2.3
16  Folly Tower  98.1  09:00  2.1  2.3
   Pontypool  100.2  10:00  2.1  2.3

The Problem

In some previous hundreds, particularly last year, many entrants have arrived at the early checkpoints before the stated opening time and felt aggrieved when held up until the opening time. Really those entrants should have started at one of the later starting times. To avoid this situation on the Valleys 100 and any consequent unpleasantness we have put a lot of effort into deriving the checkpoint opening and closing times for the Valleys 100. Therefore it is important for both you and the organisers for you to select a suitable starting time for the Valleys 100.

Points To Consider

To aid you this page gives two tables on the right, table 1 shows the maximum average speed to avoid arriving early at checkpoints, and table 2 the minimum average speed to avoid late arrival at checkpoints. From these you can see:

  • the finish opens 28 hours after the 10:00 start so entrants completing the route in less than 28 hours must start at 14:00 otherwise they will be held up waiting for checkpoints and/or the finish to open.
  • entrants averaging over 4.2 mph will arrive at checkpoint 1 early, or over 4.0 mph will arrive at checkpoints 2 and 3 early and will be held up until the checkpoints open.
  • entrants starting at 14:00 only have to average 2.8 mph to beat the closing time of the first four CPs and can be even slower after that.

Our Recommendations

The rule that will be enforced is that checkpoints will not open early for 10:00 starters. If you arrive early you will have to wait outside the checkpoint even if it is raining (who knows, we might have a kit check for early arrivals to help pass the time). But we will allow 14:00 starters through should they arrive before a checkpoint opening time. In the latter case we will have got the opening times wrong and it wouldn't be fair to penalise such entrants. This will allow them to travel as fast as they like and finish in less than 24 hours.

Therefore our strong recommendations are:

  • Definitely start at 14:00 if you aim to complete the event in less than 28 hours
  • Seriously consider starting at 14:00 if you expect to complete the event in 28 to 32 hours.
  • If expecting to complete in 28 to 32 hours and you start at 10:00, don't run or jog the early stages of the event otherwise you are in danger of arriving early at checkpoints. Note that in the first stage, after the initial climb the going is very easy for a few miles along the ridge; in the second stage the climbs are gradual except for one very short section so that stage is likely to be fast.

Some questions answered

Why not have a single start at 10:00am? The main reason is cost, village halls charge by the hour, later checkpoints would be open for much longer and event entry fees would have to be higher. A secondary reason is the length of time marshals (all volunteers) would be on duty, particularly at the later checkpoints.

Why enforce opening times? If not enforced the problem is passed on to the following checkpoints. It has to enforced at some checkpoint so it may as well be at the first one. Remember this will not be enforced for 14:00 starters at any checkpoint.

Why should I start at 14:00? If you expect to complete the Valleys 100 in a fast time, by starting at 14:00 you will:

  • avoid being held up at checkpoints.
  • be 4 hours fresher overnight and on the Sunday, starting later doesn't seem to slow the
    runners down so why would it slow the fast walkers/joggers?
  • not be held up by slower walkers in the first mile or two.
  • only have to travel at an average of 2.8 mph or less to reach checkpoints before they close
  • get a psychological boost when overtaking those starting at 10:00.

Why do runners, joggers and fast walkers choose the earliest start when they know they will be held up?
Dunno, we can't think of a logical reason. This page is an attempt to persuade them to choose the 14:00 start.

Can I change my starting time? Yes this can be changed at any time up to and including on the day.

If you have any more questions or wish to discuss starting times please use the Valleys 100 Forum