Hastings Runners is wonderful isn’t it? The time and effort offered for free, by Chief Marshall Alan Croucher and his team of volunteers making these club races possible. Thank you to all those that slipped on your luminous jackets, patrolled their area and gave us the support we needed to tackle the 11+ miles from Rye, back to our home town. The Country Park dog walkers were left wondering who the loony women was at the top of the hill, hollering encouragement, but boy did we appreciate it.
The morning began as we boarded the coach, the Green and Black coach of course (good choice Rob). As we mumbled through our face masks, nodding to our friends, pretending to hear what they said, our starting point got ever closer and the nerves began to set in.
Colin White
We reached our destination with plenty of time to spare. Some of the more serious runners set off for their warm ups, whilst the group discussed the challenge ahead. Terry Kitson was on hand to set the runners off precisely on time as we headed out towards the Nature Reserve with a slight cooling breeze in our faces.
The first 5k provided a flat terrain as we found our rhythm and watched in awe as the quicker runners effortlessly disappeared into the distance. Then came the Sea Wall. A narrow uneven path that runs alongside Pett Level, the English Channel on the left and beautiful countryside to the right.
Darren Barzee
We should have been enjoying the view, but deep down we knew what was coming, what we had been dreading the most, the climb up to Fairlight and through the Country Park. It’s safe to say it got the better of many of us, but we dug deep and with the support of the Marshalls encouraging us all the way, we continued to push on, edging closer to the summit.
Our hard work was rewarded as we picked up our pace and soared down Barley Lane with the finish line now our only focus. The quickest down the hill was Colin White, who carefully plotted his way along the route, avoiding any wrong turns and completing the course in 1:22:52, thus winning the Rye to Hastings race for the first time.
Sally Grainger
Darren Barzee was 2nd home and claimed the Male Vet prize in an excellent time of 1:24:30, three minutes ahead of 3rd place Martin Noakes 1:27:53. 2 more runners broke the 90 minute mark and landed top 5 finishes, myself (Simon Linklater) and Martin Snape who battled on bravely after twisting his ankle earlier in the race.
There were impressive runs from new members Shane Treger (7th: 1:33:07), David King (11th: 1:39:36) and Malcom Smith (1:40:42). Welcome to the HR family.
Sally Grainger was the first female home in a fantastic time of 1:41:18, followed in 2nd and 3rd place by Claire Maplesden (1:51:36) and Hannah Hayler (1:51:37). Sue Wilkinson took home the Female Vet’s prize with a strong performance, coming home in 2:01:39.
Emma Stubbs (left) Sue Wilkinson (right)
We can all be proud of our efforts, taking on such a tough course and coming out on top. Thank you once again to those that helped the event run smoothly. Without you these club races wouldn’t be possible. Until next time.
Results: –