Nuala closes in on remarkable century

The 51-year-old, who is a member of Arunners Running Club in Littlehampton, completed her 99th race last month.

Smyth travelled to Deal, Kent, as she competed in the Cakeathon Challenge, completing the course and edging herself ever more closer to a remarkable century.

With all going to plan, Smyth will become yet another member of the 100 Marathon Club should she complete the South Downs Trail on June 18.

It is remarkable to think that the Arunners racer’s first event came back in 2008 and just eight years later Smyth stands on the edge of joining an elite list of names to reach three figures.

Smyth said: “I just can’t wait to finally complete my 100th marathon now and move on from it.

“It’s almost been like an elephant in the room closing in on it and now to be so close I just want to get it out of the way. With all going well, I’ll be able to get to the century race mark later this month and that will be such a proud day, not only for myself, but my family and friends as well.”

Smyth admits she could well have reached her goal sooner but picking races carefully and ones with meaning have been more important.

She added: “A lot of people have been saying for a while, ‘when is your 100th race?’ then I’d say June, 2016.

“I could well have done it a lot quicker but I’ve chosen races that I have wanted to do and ones that have a meaning to myself to make the journey even more special to me.”

Smyth believes there will be no better place to complete her task than at the scenic South Downs Trail course.

As well as the terrain, Smyth chose this to be her landmark race so she could race alongside a number of team-mates from Arunners, while also having a number of family and friends able to watch on as well.

Smyth said: “This was always going to be a big one for myself, so to do it at South Downs will be great. I’ll also have a number of family and friends watching on, so it’s going to be a fine day.”

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