Lewes hosts 100-mile race as woman beats both her husbands

The gruelling event took place on August 16 in Lewes during the first National 100-Miles Walking Championships to be held in Sussex for 44 years.

The race required participants to walk 402 times around the Lewes Athletics Club track within a 24-hour period.

The race took place at Lewes Athletics Club (Image: Brian Boggenpoel) Among the contenders was school administrator Loes van Bremen, who completed the distance in 23 hours, 39 minutes, and 15 seconds.

Ms van Bremen was also the only woman to finish the race.

Competing alongside her were her former husband and current spouse, Rob Tersteeg and Wilfried van Bremen, who were both unable to complete the race.

Ms van Bremen were cheered on by two of her children, Marit and Mick.

Loes van Bremen, alongside former husband Rob Tersteeg (Image: Mark Easton) After the race, the family embarked on a nine-day camping tour of Britain.

The race began at midday on Saturday with 35 men and women starting in favourable weather conditions.

However, the sun began to shine down on Sunday, causing 24 participants to drop out due to injuries or the realisation that they would not be able to complete the 100 miles within the time limit.

Race winner Bart de Vries (Image: Mark Easton) Jonathan Hobbs from Ashford Athletic Club in Kent, looking to win the 100 miles for a third successive year, took an immediate lead but was overtaken by eventual winner Bart De Vries as night fell.

Mr De Vries crossed the finish line in 21 hours, 13 minutes, and 36 seconds, earning himself a place in the prestigious Centurions club, which only accepts members who complete the 100-mile distance within 24 hours.

Mr Hobbs finished second, 31 minutes behind Mr De Vries.

Runner up, Jonathan Hobbs (Image: Mark Easton) Read more:

Other finishers included Ignace Matthys and Kurt Tempels from Belgium, Andrew Titley for the Isle of Man, and Dutch nationals Marco van Heel, Remco Luhrman, and Frank van der Gulik.

The race was the longest event in Sussex since a similar race was held in Withdean in May 1981.

Despite the challenges, many participants have expressed their eagerness to return next year.