United Kingdom

About the author:

Tejvan organises short-distance running and cycling races for the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in his home city of Oxford. He is also a very good cyclist, having won the National hill climb championships in 2013 and finished 3rd in the National 100 Mile Time Trials in 2014.

It was a little chilly in the morning, but the runners were ready to test themselves again. Adrian Papuc reached 3200 km to test himself, 32:05:11:53, then it was time to reach 2000 miles. Soon there were three more to join the 2000 Mile Team. Alex Ramsey arrived at the mark next in 32:12:46:30. Milan Javornicky was headed the same way, eventually reaching 2000 miles in 32:13: 23:14.

Daniela Bojila went past the 3200 km as well as the other runners, reaching 32:14:15:14. Although she was a little behind the other runners, it was her test to get the 2000-mile mark in the last hour of the day. Her great effort was in 32:17:10:01. Eight runners are on course to finish the 3100 Mile Race.

Food

Whilst as spectators we tend to naturally focus on the runners and mileage, the 3100 Mile Race is like a big ship where - what you see above the surface - is only part of the story. Hidden away, there are equally important cogs in the great event, which is the 3100 Mile Race. One of the indispensable components of the race is a team of volunteer cooks who work around the clock to provide food and drinks for both the runners and helpers. This is a big operation from continually buying food, to preparing food, cooking and then delivering to the race. The food is not only provided in large quantities, runners can be using up to 10,000 calories a day, but also needs to be tasty, varied and interesting. Sometimes when running long distances, you may not feel like eating as much as you need to. But in a 52 day race, you don't just eat for the present moment, you are eating for the next days too. Any kind of caloric or protein deficit can be damaging.

Arpan visited the kitchen whilst preparing the food.