i'd say it's not so much about being organised as being part of a social event - its fun to run/walk with other people to share the experienece. plus it's a bit of competition to push myself a bit faster :-) And i find it really nice to keep running into the same people in training for the 100.

If it's training you want, why don't you go for a 50 mile walk?
Walking isn't restricted to organised events, the great thing about it is you can 'get up and go' anytime or place, with or without company. I think it sad so many people want to be organised.

The Wellington Boot 100k should be in April 2014. Keep an eye on the Cornwall & Devon website.

Thanks guys, that's very helpful.

I'm pretty sure the 2014 Poppyline is going ahead, they just haven't added it to the calendar yet. I think some adjacent groups run their 50s in two or three year cycles, so if there isn't a Dorset Giant next year there should be another 50 somewhere in the SW at around the same time (last year was the Wye Forest 50). Outside the LDWA there's the Bogle Stroll in Manchester, although as I found last year that's pretty horrible - it's all within the urban area with nothing remotely resembling a scenic view, mile after mile of pavement did for my feet and passing through the pub district late at night wasn't pleasant...

Plenty on 100 marathon club under "ultras"

There are plenty of running races where fast walkers could probably enter i.e. Country to Captial 45m in Jan?

hi, just looking at the ldwa challenge events calendar for early 2014 (in preparation for the 100) but I can't see many challenge events and none 50 miles and over (except the Woldsman which i can't make). No Poppyline this year? No Dorset Giant? I'm bereft of training opportunities. Does anyone know any non-ldwa events? I've had a look at the ultra runners site but they look too intimidating :-)