With the darkness looming and the sad realisation the summer was coming to a conclusion, our smiles lit up the room as one by one, Hastings Runners skipped across the sailing club to collect their age category awards.

Robert Weeks 1st Junior
Hayley Ranson Female Vet 55
Irene Kitson Female Vet 65
Sarah Marzaioli Female Vet 70
Craig Weeks 1st Male Vet 45
Andy Knight 1st Male Vet 55
Kevin Blowers 1st Male Vet 60

“We’re pretty good in the old people’s categories” came the remark from a slightly younger HR member, who shall remain nameless (it wasn’t me).

It was the final event of the Rye Summer Series. A trio of races which take place at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Known for its outstanding beauty, incredible sunsets and relentless wind. On this rare occasion one of these was missing from the recipe, much to the delight of the runners, it was the stiff breeze.

With Will Withecombe offering vocal support on the sidelines, the honours were left to Adam Weller. He was the first Hastings Runner across the line, in a superb time of 17:38.

A slightly heavier version of Paul Lambert, from the last time I saw him, came home in 19:30, much to his own surprise having spent the majority of his pre race routine talking down his chances after a week of eating takeaways. “I’ll be lucky if I break 21 he told me”. I’ve got my takeout menus ready for my next race after Paul’s incredible efforts.

Kevin Blowers produced a stunning performance to knock over a minute off his PB. Was it the shoes? Or was it the hair? Either way, 19:48 was a fantastic effort, to scoop yet another age category win!

Andy Knight continued his excellent recent revival with a season’s best of 20:52. Jacqueline Scott knocked a minute and a half off her previous 5k PB, who alongside Marie Crawford enjoyed the sunset and spent 27 and a half minutes chatting away. Imagine if they tried? 

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable evening, in the company of wonderful people, in a cracking setting. Go Hastings Runners.

Race Results
Adam Weller 17:38
Paul Lambert 19:30
Kevin Blowers 19:48
Andy Knight 20:52
Stephen Ingram 21:55
Rachael Inns 25:58
Adam Holland 26:40
Craig Weeks 26:43
Jacqueline Scott 27:32
Marie Crawford 27:38
Sarah Marzaioli 30:00
Robert Weeks 31:22
Irene Kitson 31:45
Hayley Ranson 32:01
Catherine Southgate 34:58
Henry Worthington 41:08