Whilst the less dedicated members of our town rolled over and hit their Sunday snooze buttons, 45 eager Hastings Runners were already on their way to Rye, sharing tales of recent running successes, whilst trying to keep warm on the coach journey over, kindly supplemented by the club.

I’m sure many of the locals were still beneath their duvets when Ashley Vora stormed across the finish line in an amazing time of 1 hour and 16 minutes. Such was the impressive nature of his victory, the finishing team were caught unaware by his early arrival.

It was a new record for the recently shortened Rye to Hastings course. A route which heads through the familiar Rye Nature reserve whilst testing the balance of the runners along the narrow sea wall at Pett Level.

Then the challenge really begins, and seemingly never ends, as the task of climbing up the cliff edge, battling through the steep village of Fairlight, and finally using every last ounce of energy to reach the Coastguard Cottages. 

Luckily we are part of a wonderful club, with members willing to give up their time to ensure a safe passage home, whilst offering encouragement along the way. An abundance of photos, some showing expressions of pain, others of runners celebrating their achievements. Even the odd dash of orange on the horizon.

From all of the runners to the marshals who cheered us on, thank you!

Back to the action and coming home in 2nd place, claiming the Male Vets prize in the process was Martin Noakes in a superb time of 1:25:32. Only 2 seconds behind was Zoe Fairclough, producing an incredible run to land first place in the Female Race, smashing the previous course record.

Andrew Shipalov and Stuart Johnstone completed the course for the very first time finishing 4th and 6th respectively, separated only by Martin Snape who must be running on fumes right now given his lack of sleep.

Sally Grainger claimed the Female Vets prize, finishing in 1:49:53 whilst the improvers award was won by Jo Edwards who knocked an impressive 34 minutes and 50 seconds off her time from last year.

From a personal experience it was a wonderful morning. Runs like this make me realise just how much I love being part of this amazing club. Thank you and well done to all who took part. 

There was success elsewhere as Kevin Blowers made the long trip West worthwhile by landing 1st place in the MV60 category in the Taunton 10K. He matched his PB of 42 minutes and is planning a trip to WHSmith soon to spend his vouchers.

Will Withecombe and Claire Thomas are also planning a spending spree, both netting a free pair of trainers by winning the Men’s 5k and Women’s 10K of the Forest Runner Series at Bedgebury on Sunday.

Andy Knight (44:24) and Rachel Inn (54:21) both took part in the Tempo 10K on Eastbourne on Sunday! Whilst John Simcox ran the Stafford 10K in 44:38.