Just call him Mega Mileage Marco

Organised by Centurion Running, the home of 50 and 100-mile trail ultramarathons, the SDW50 is a foot race along the South Downs Way National Trail, beginning in Worthing and finishing in Eastbourne.

Runners start by negotiating six miles of chalk footpaths and bridleways, climbing up to join the South Downs Way at Chanctonbury Ring; they follow the South Downs Way to Eastbourne before completing one lap of Eastbourne Sports Park to finish.

Fortmann finished in a time of 12hr 12min 43sec and, considering the treacherous conditions, was understandably delighted with the result.

“It’s a feat in itself to run 50 miles but when you throw in 6440ft of total ascent, wind, rain, mud and more mud, I was just pleased to finish before the 13-hour cut-off time,” Fortmann said.

“I want to thank everyone at Centurion for getting the event off the ground in a Covid secure environment. I’d also like to thank my wife for getting me to the Sports Park at 6am and fellow Plodders Brian Winn, Ian Weston and friend Rebecca Holland for meeting me at the end, taking pictures and getting my tea and hot dog.”

After three ultras, Fortmann was keen to stress to his family and friends that this would be his last one... but on reflection, he has decided he will go for one more.

“Steve Redgrave famously said after his fourth Olympic gold that if anyone saw him get in a boat again, they would be free to shoot him,” Fortmann said.

“After much consideration, I am going to do the South Downs Way 100 next June with a friend, from the start in Winchester to its conclusion in Eastbourne. I promise to hang up my ultra-shoes after that!”