Weekend Round Up 14th 15th August
FELPHAM FIVE
Organised by our own Jason Rae, this Tuesday evening run saw the return of the Felpham Five with the medal to all finishers displaying a slogan with a strong riposte to Covid.
The evening was bright and sunny as competitors gathered on Felpham promenade, although as the 6:45pm start time approached it was clear a possible PB one way would be severely hampered on the way back by the strong wind. Thanks to Mark Walford for reporting in:-
“Growing up in Felpham, I was excited to see a race being put on here, I love running on the beach so couldn’t say no to the Felpham5. However I had to remember it was 5miles not 5km which I’m more used to. Was nice to see fellow Tuffs Simon, Jon and Shelley before hand. A lovely summers evening but the wind was getting up, once they started us, I decided to go hard for the first half with the wind and see what I had left coming back against it”.
“My first 4km was very good and running back along the sand, seaweed and into the wind, up and over breakwaters, my legs felt heavier and heavier. To my surprise I was sat in third place until 1km out when I heard footsteps behind me, and slowly overtaken. Then the same thing happened in the final 500m but this time it was Simon! Not having much left in legs I was still very happy with 5th overall. More than the result, it was just a lovely event which I would recommend for others next year
Mark
It was a very well attended event and whilst the Tuff contingent was small, it was perfectly formed. Simon Thistlethwaite was 4th, Mark Walford 5th just 3 seconds behind and Jon Babbage, having completed a training run the previous evening finished in 10th – 3 in the top ten, most impressive. Shelley Babbage wasn’t there to just make up the numbers as she did well. As well as the medal, finishers received a choccy bar, Jason Rae did another great job as race director and Clive Harvey was on the timings; a successful evening all round.
DOWNLAND CHALLENGE / 13 THE HARD WAY
We are very fortunate to have two top notch race organising companies whose members are also Tuffs. Following the above with Southern Multisports, Jay McCardle, Danny Cunnett and Chris Ette are directors at Sussex Trail Events who also stage well organised and unusual events – in this case 13 The Hard Way/Downland Challenge.
The run takes competitors along the South Downs Way; however there is a clue in the title -‘The hard Way’. The start is at Clayton at the foot of the northern side of the Downs right on the West/East Sussex border line and the only way is up – a steep incline to the South Downs way. Above Plumpton runners turn right and head down almost to the A27. The half marathon sees runners return the way they came with the marathon crossing the road and continuing out to Rodmell & Southease covering 3,660ft of ascent.
Ian Moore was in action again and reports:-
“You would have thought I’d of had enough of running on the South Downs Way, but as Danny and Jay reminded me it was during my first Ultra, the Downland Challenge, in 2010 that I first met them both. With 15 Strava PRs on the way to the turnaround point I had clearly gone out too hard and the return was hard work, especially as it was another warm day. Another well run event from Sussex Trail Events and a nice medal.
Ian
SEA SWIMMING
Despite a high level of swell, there was a further good turnout for this weekend’s captains Sea Swim. It was particularly pleasing that the safety in number approach works well as different groups enabled some to achieve personal goals in the distances swum. The hot showers are proving popular and with snacks and coffee to buy, and seating, most hang around for a natter afterwards. Parking is plentiful, but is pay and display so ensure you buy a parking disc (a fiver covering until Dec 31st) during the Tuff Pool training at The Wave. Next scheduled swim is SUNDAY 22nd Aug 1:15pm for 1:30 in the water.
PARKRUN
Another mention this week of Mark Walford. Mark participated at Littlehampton parkrun and came 5th overall in a new PB of 18:48. Bob Thomas ran on his birthday and celebrated with his quickest parkrun time of the year. Completing the trio was Alistair Evans
Worthing parkrun saw Jo Baldwin achieve another PB shaving 10 seconds off her last PB from the end of July in 23:57. Phil Turner was next home followed by Mark Sole. Elaine Rousseau completed the Tuff contingent with Chris Sloggett back on the organising team again.
To complete parkrun round up Trevor Harvey was in action at Maidenhead parkrun held in Braywick Park – well done to all nine either running or organising.
