Skin Cancer Survivor Undertakes Demanding 100-Mile Ultramarathon

A skin cancer survivor, who has completed 184 marathons, is now embarking on a formidable 100-mile challenge across Sussex and Surrey. Laura Watts, from Bognor Regis, previously ran 12 marathons in as many days and is the sole British woman to have completed the renowned Badwater Ultramarathon in California’s Death Valley three times. Currently, the ultra-athlete is participating in the Centurion Running Winter Downs 100 – a continuous 100-mile trail run along the South Downs Way, which commenced on Wednesday at Amberley Museum. “The time limit is 35 hours,” she informed BBC Radio Sussex. “The fastest I’ve run a hundred miles is 21 hours and 40 minutes, but because of the conditions, I’m thinking probably 26 hours.” “I’m glad Storm Darragh is out of the way,” she stated. “It’s going to be about 7C, grey, and probably will rain. In 2018, Laura received a diagnosis of skin cancer. Since then, she has raised over £50,000 for charity, including contributions to the British Skin Foundation. She recounted: “After I had my melanoma removed and lymph nodes, the doctor said, ‘No running for while’.”Three weeks later I ran three marathons in three weeks, so it was against the orders, but they know what I’m like.” Laura’s husband, Matt, is scheduled to meet her at the three aid points along the route. “We normally have a bit of a buffet going in the back of the car,” Laura mentioned. “But I’ll be on the move the whole time – no sleeping.” The race begins in Amberley, proceeds towards Winchester, joins the St Swithun’s Way from Alton to Farnham, and concludes just after Box Hill in Surrey. Readers can follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Story ideas may be submitted to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.