What is the Trent 100, UK SUP Endurance Race ?

The Trent 100 is U.K.’s longest team endurance challenge.  Paddling 100kms and across three counties in inland England. 

It is a SUP event like few others! Part race, part adventure and part celebration of SUP and its wonderful and diverse range of paddlers, once experienced, the Trent 100 is never forgotten.

Now in its fifth year, the two-day race spans three counties and challenges teams of paddlers to successfully traverse a 100km course. With ASI onboard as sponsors for 2022, we took some time to talk to one of the organisers of the event, Dave Mistry Pain, to find out what it is that makes the Trent 100 so special?

ASI: Hi Dave, the obvious place to start seems to be to ask, where did it all begin? Do you remember the moment this mad idea for a race was first planted?

Dave: The idea came from Mark Price who was supporting a friend on the Yukon River Quest. There were no comparable events in the UK, so when he came back, I worked with him scoping the first TRENT100 (our ‘doorstep’ river), it's a bit shorter and a bit tamer but the same principles apply!

ASI:  What are the biggest challenges you face in organising the Trent 100?

Dave: Logistics. We are moving a lot of people from a central location to a start line, back from the finish and supporting them over the 100kms of river. Providing suitable levels of support to the teams and being there when they need us the most.

ASI: Do you have any particular highlights that stand out from past events?

Dave: The first event, I mean it was a bit chaotic, but we pulled it off! Probably 2021 in general, coming out of lock down seeing people in real life, plus the weather tested everyone, but our team and marshals stood up to the test, and we got everyone safely home!

ASI: In the wake of the pandemic are you seeing more people keen to get involved and breathe a little fresh air and adventure?

Dave: Good question. I think everyone was super keen to get out and join us in 2021 after being cooped up for a year. We had a fantastic 2021, which has driven the stoke for this type of adventure, I think people want to do something challenging with mates and have a great time doing it regardless of COVID.

ASI: Do you find with the Trent 100, people are taking it on for a whole myriad of different reasons, be it personal goals, camaraderie, adventure, or competition?

Dave: The TRENT100’s USP if you like is the fact that it’s not a race and you must enter as a team. This introduces a totally different dynamic than we are used to at races. It's a long way to paddle for most, so it’s a real achievement to cross the finish line in Nottingham.

However, the real achievement is to make it as a team. It’s not easy to complete such a tough challenge with a team of often different abilities, people can get annoyed with each other, but I think always finish as friends. It's a massive social experiment! Haha.

ASI: What are your hopes for this year’s event and for the future?

Dave: We are hoping for some fine weather this year, as we had a terrible first day in 2021 with constant rain and wind that tested everyone, paddlers, marshals and crew. The event is growing with 250 paddlers entered this year, so our work is cut out to make sure we deliver the same vibe, but party bigger. We like to keep some treats up our sleeves so look forward to making 2022 more memorable than ever.

ASI: If you could offer one piece of advice to prospective paddlers thinking of entering the event, what would it be?

Dave: Preparation. Make sure you have the right kit, you have experience of paddling fast flowing rivers, are reasonably fit, and have ideally paddled with some of your team. (I think that's four bits of advice?)

ASI: And finally, what is it about the Trent 100 that makes it such a magical event?

Dave: The format takes the competition out of the event, and sets the benchmark for everything else, it attracts the most friendly, most easy going people from all backgrounds, we all have a massive blast, everyone, paddlers, marshals and us organisers!
 

The Trent 100 takes place between July 21 to July 24, 2022 and is truly an event not to be missed!

For further information head over to the official website right here.

 

Photos: Courtesy of Trent 100