THE historic London to Brighton veteran car run which takes place this Sunday dates back more than 100 years making it one of the oldest events in the motoring calendar.

In the strange world of ultra distance running, the London to Brighton has become equally famous as the oldest point-to-point ultra in the world.

The 51st running of the classic was held recently with Darwen Dashers' Chairman Shane Gudgeon, pictured, making his bow. The race starts at Westminster as Big Ben strikes 7am and finishes 55 miles later at Brighton Pier.

"My game plan was to set off towards the rear of the field and hopefully work my way through," explained Shane.

But with just 10 hours allowed to complete, the runners didn't hold back at the start, and by the time they had crossed Westminster Bridge he was last.

There were feed stations at every five miles, and despite his slow start Shane stuck to his plan of stopping at every one to replenish his carbo-drink and take on some food.

As the race progressed his tactics paid dividends as he began to overtake runners who had been less conservative in their approach.

The athletes were to need all their energy for the second half, not only is it far tougher than the first, but it was run in the worst conditions in the history of the event.

"From 30 miles there seemed to be one climb after another, at times it felt like I was either being pinned to the ground by the lashing rain or being blown side ways and backwards by the wind," Shane said.

Then came the one and a bit mile climb onto Ditchling Beacon, the summit of the South Downs between miles 48 and 50.

He said: "On reaching the top I was greeted by a 50mph headwind, which combined with horrendous rain made it the worst conditions I have ever run in.

"I had to run into the wind with my eyes shut because it was like being pelted with small sharp stones."

By the time he arrived in Brighton, the finish tent and gantry had long since been blown away but he had progressed through the field to finish in the top half, 57th of 116 finishers and 139 starters.

His time of 9:07:46 was well within the cut off time extended to 10:30 because of the conditions.

He has plans for more ultra races next year, but since 'warming down' in last Sunday's Snowdonia Marathon completed in 3:55:33, he has decided there will be no more this season.