The Trent 100
Words : Sam Rutt . Photos : Alex Thornhill - XT-SUP & Helen Dennison - Saltwalk Events I write this article with a mix of emotions , one likely shared by the whole SUP community , on learning that this is the last year of the iconic Trent 100 . What started with humble beginnings and an event that attracted just 31 paddlers has grown to be a bucket list event for any SUP enthusiast wanting to test their skills , ability , and teamwork . paddleuk . org . uk
Each year , the event has grown in participant numbers and offers excellent live music , fantastic food , top-class entertainment , and arguably the best showers you will ever find on a campsite ! Paddle UK was incredibly proud to sponsor this event not just this year but in previous years as well .
The Trent 100 is famously not a race ( it ’ s not , honestly – we all know it ’ s not !). But all joking aside , what was the Trent 100 if not a race ? And why will we all miss it from the SUP calendar ? Here ’ s what the team had to say ….
“ The Trent100 is not just another race ; it ’ s a team challenge over two days , a test of endurance , camaraderie , and the human spirit . Unlike traditional races where individuals compete against the clock , the Trent100 invites teams to embark on a collective journey , each member contributing their unique strengths and quirks to the paddling party .
“ In a race , you ’ re alone in your preparation , at the start line and pushing through to the finish . The emotions you experience are yours and yours alone . But in the Trent100 , it ’ s a different story . Each paddle stroke is a collaborative effort , a synchronised movement of determination and teamwork .
“ Throughout the events , we ’ ve witnessed the bonds between teams grow stronger , forged in the fire of shared experiences and shared laughter .
From the nervous anticipation of the starting line to the jubilant celebrations at the finish , the Trent100 is a journey like no other .”
Anyone fortunate enough to attend this event will have some amazing memories , stories to tell , not to mention lifelong friendships . I think collectively ; we have all been teased by the cooling towers ; anyone who knows … knows ! They aren ’ t as close as you think and move as if by magic from in front of you to behind you , to beside you , taunting you as you paddle the 57km of the first day , trying desperately to get to base camp for the finisher ’ s hug .
To the Trent 100 team and to all of you who have been involved over the years and have contributed to making this such an iconic event , I am sure I speak for the whole SUP community and everyone who has been lucky enough to start this epic challenge when I say thank you . Thank you for everything you have done to provide us with an event ( it ’ s not a race ) that will be forever a legacy of SUP Adventure and teamwork ! 48
So , what is next for the team ? After I caught up with them , this is what they had to say ….
“ Who knows , but I have sent a few emails today ! I am sure this will not be the end of Saltwalk Events ; always bigger and better ! Watch this space .”