Centurions 1911

This  website captures and celebrates the achievement of walkers who have completed walking 100 miles within 24 hours in a judged race in Great Britain.

It is designed to support all existing and aspiring Centurions, attract interest from the wider athletic community and encourage race walking.  We hope you find it enjoyable and informative.

What is a Centurion?

“A Centurion is one who has walked 100 miles within 24 hours in a competition held under Race Walking Association (RWA) and UKAthletics rules in Great Britain”

We welcome and encourage walkers from all backgrounds and countries.  Races are generally held annually at various locations around the country.  Most are held on the road but some are on an athletic track.

The record of those who were successful began in 1911 and since then a total of 1215 walkers have qualified.

Race Organisation

All Centurion race walks, wherever held, conform to a set of standards and regulations to avoid any possibility of controversy over its results.

Competitors in the annual Centurion-qualifying race held in the UK can be confident the arrangements for the race comply with the rules and requirements stipulated by the Race Walking Association (RWA), United Kingdom Athletics (UKA) and World Athletics (formerly IAAF): the course is always measured by an accredited UKA course measurer, the RWA Race Permit is displayed and the requisite number of officials (judges, timekeeper and referee) officiate for the duration of the race.

A host country emulating the UK Centurion race must ensure that these minimum standards are in place, and they must be published in the race programme and in all publicity material.

The Introduction on the ‘What is Race Walking’ page gives advice about the walking style required to satisfy the walk judges.

Train with us to walk 100 miles 

There are opportunities to train with other walkers for the annual 100 mile race.

Steve Kemp C 1075 is organising a series from Belfairs Park, Leigh on Sea, South Essex. They will held each weekend, either Saturday or Sunday and will usually start at 08:00am although this may change for the longer distances – there are plans for 6, 8 and 12 hour walks too  – perfect training for the 100 miles! Those interested in participating or supporting should email the social walk Secretary Steve Kemp at racewalker@sky.com to confirm day, duration and start time.

Richard McChesney composed an inspiring account of his journey from running to qualifying as a Centurion in 2014 to encourage runners to try race walking. First published in Ultrarunning World Magazine, it is now also available here to read.

Centurion 2024

Full details on the Future Events/100 miles page.

Entries now open at Race Director.