Weekend Round Up 9th 10th October
Whilst the multisport season is drawing to a close, Tuffs were out and about at all sorts of different run distances:-
MANCHESTER MARATHON
One for your bucket list? Manchester Marathon is billed as the UK’s second largest and fourth largest in Europe. The day also includes a Half Marathon. In amongst the large crowd was a trio of Tuffs. Three different Tuffs each with their own way of tackling the course. Edward Lay completed the course in 4hrs 37, but if that wasn’t enough he had completed the Manchester Alexandra parkrun the day before as a warm up – impressive. Glenn Parisi had also entered but having completed Brighton Marathon just 4 weeks earlier and recovering from an operation in between; another show of determination. Clare Worgan also ran and returned as first Tuff home. She has submitted an inspirational report below. Editors note: anyone wishing to donate to Clare’s fundraising for Sands the link is here
“I quietly entered the marathon last winter. I ran a lot during lockdown to stay sane so I had the crazy idea that I might try and build up to a marathon, plus I wanted to do something to raise money for Sands around Alice’s birthday and she was born in Manchester so this seemed like the perfect event. October came around very quickly!! I spent most of the summer focusing on the half ironman so hadn’t had chance to do many long runs so I had no idea how it would go. I felt unprepared but I’m starting to realise that feeling unprepared is the normal state for most people on a start line. I’ve done one marathon before in 5 hours so my target was just to beat that.
I managed to find Glenn amongst the 30,000 runners and it was so nice to have another Tuff along side me at the start, we ran the first section together and I remember saying how nice it was to be running in Manchester in the sunshine. I then got swept away with the occasion and picked up the pace, the atmosphere was fab, I had a lovely time reminiscing as I ran past the many bars and clubs I fell out of when I was young and drunk. A few miles in I spotted Ed, he was running strong and well ahead, it was a quick wave and he was gone. I passed the half way point in under two hours, I was shocked and delighted when I looked at my watch, I decided then that I would try to hold on to the pace as long as I could and see what happened. I got a boost every time I spotted another Sands runner amongst the thousands.
Then it got painful! At 20 miles my legs were screaming at me to slow, those last few miles felt like forever but I was determined to ignore the pain and not to let go of the pace. It paid off! I’m ridiculously happy with my time of 4:06 but even more proud to do it for Sands. Huge thank you to all the Tuff’s who sponsored me, I feel lucky to have the support of such a wonderful club”.
Clare
VoTWO ATLANTIC COAST CHALLENGE
Held over three days from Friday to Sunday, The VoTwo Atlantic Challenge is a toughie with a route from Padstow finishing at Lands End – a distance of 78.6 miles. At the start entrants gain an event T-shirt and then it was ‘simply’ a case of lasting the distance each day, recover and go again each day to receive a medal and Cornish pasty as the finish line was reached. Very well organised throughout with breakfast and accommodation; and beer!, its no wonder Geordie Paul Atkinson keeps returning to the event. All this while amongst stunning coastal scenery as this week’s banner shot highlights.
However what was great to see was that this year there were four Tuffs pushing themselves to the limit.
The first of the Tuffs were Gareth Piggott who ran with Andy Monk over the three days doing well on each of the three marathons.
Linda Wright also entered and completed the Three in Three; she gave a more succinct summary of the event as “It’s the most brutal event I have ever done”.
Paul summarised the event as “3,500m of climbing, wrecked knee and toe, undertrained, sunburnt, dehydrated, hungover.. that all equates to a brilliant weekend”.
Well done to Gareth, Andy Linda & Paul, – terrific achievements all
DOWNSLINK ULTRA
Next up we have a report from Jason Rae who completed the Downslink Ultra. The race is a 38 mile run from St Martha’s Hill, Surrey to Shoreham- by-Sea, using the Downslink footpath and bridleway; a cracking race by Sussex Trail Event the directors of which, Danny Cunnett, Chris Ette & Jay McCardle are also Tuffs. Jason reports:-
“If drinking beer and playing golf all summer were ideal prep for a 38 mile trot along the downslink trail then I would have won it easily,
Sadly it wasn’t so I arrived at the start with my last marathon 14 weeks ago and 3 or 4 treadmill runs at David Lloyd and a 17 mile trail run as my only race prep. I did get some advice from Glenn on Thursday that by adopting the Muz/Parisi training plan I would be fine. No ice cream stalls on the route though !!
I am one of only 2 runners to have done all the previous 7 Downslink Ultras so had to make it to the start line (and finish line) The other guy did too so I’ll be back next year.
The weather was overcast and cooler than other years, I only remember it ever raining once.
The pandemic has really affected races , this one had 65 runners in year one and usually sells out over 200, so to still have 30 place for sale and then 50 no shows, it really is a sign that events need to adapt or lots wont be around in years to come
I got going at the back of the field and felt good through the first 2 checkpoints. Ian Moore had caught me up, I ran with him for about half a mile then he left me.
There is a new section of refurbished downslink near christs hospital which gave us all some new scenery (all similar but new) Each aid station is manned by runners from various run clubs (Horsham joggers, Burgess Hill runners etc) and of course organised by 3 of the most modest Tuffs you will ever meet
The miles ticked by another marathon in the bag and eventually I realised I was going to make it to the finish.
Danny Cunnett’s wife serves all runners with the best vegan chilli ever at the finish .
These small event companies are worth a thousand times more than the faceless big races. You get twice as much for your money , a much better atmosphere and no egos. Nobody cares how long you take
Hopefully I’ve got my enjoyment for running back and can get some more long distance races in to finish off the year”.
Jason
WEST SUSSEX GRAVEL SPORTIVE
Three gallant Tuffs travelled to Liphook for this 45 mile sportive. The race blurb stated a quick 20k before turning onto the South Downs for a few ‘tasty climbs’. To explain what actually occurred, Andy Ward takes up the story.
“It’s fair to say that currently I really enjoy riding the gravel bike and with an opportunity to put it through its paces at a “proper gravel sportive” it seemed the logical thing to do..
My companions for the day were Mr Jon (Fivecakes) Roper and Mr Phil (Planteater) Baker a last minute replacement having been let down by my original compatriot Mr Olly (I’drathersitonabeachinKos)Sampson…. Your loss mate!!
About an hour away and with a 08:30 start the 7:00 am pick up compared to other events was quite leisurely and seeing as Phil and I hadn’t seen each other in a while the journey passed quickly…..
Jon decided to take a more scenic route but we all arrived within 5 minutes of each other and within another 10 minutes or so we were ready to go….
The course was not gravel…. In fact Phil who chose a Mountain bike was probably at an advantage…. Everything from large puddles to sand, large flint the size of babies heads and pretty much everything in between…… did I mention the hills?
At one point Jon referred to the course as resembling making love to a member of the wildfowl family (F**k a D**k) and what with a near run in with a farmers van, Land Rover and a Bee we decided that good things did come in threes…. or have I got that wrong?
Great food on the way round….Waffle and Biscoti spread….genius!! And some great banter when we weren’t climbing the hills….. did I mention the hills?
It was however a great event and apart from a slight navigational error (not our fault) at the end, the chips and mayo went down very well.
Phil had already eaten some greens on the way round……..
There is something quite relaxed about a Gravel ride and considering the year we have had I can’t think of a better way to enjoy a Sunday ride”
Wardy
WORTHING 10k
Last staged back in June 2019, the Worthing 10k returns with its seafront out and back route towards Ferring. There were some great runs achieved with Dom Amey reporting in:-
“A seafront 10k is generally billed as flat and fast but there’s always the gamble that you’ll arrive to a 40mph headwind. Not so for this year’s Worthing 10k, a slight breeze from the north but perfect temp and no chance of rain. If it was going to go badly it would be time to get creative with the excuses. The tannoy announcer was getting excited about “over 1800 entered” this year’s race although looking at the results just over 1250 showed up. Still a good sized field, nice route, closed roads and good organisation.
I bumped in to a friend from Horsham on the start line, I know he’s quick so I was glad to be able to use him as a bit of a carrot early on and when he drifted away from me I just tried to hang on. Thanks to the Tuff support out on the course, you all really made a difference and pushed me on to a time that I was very pleased with. Definitely a well earned medal, no need for those creative excuses this time 😊”
Dom
Dom Amey was first Tuff home in a very strong 41:56. Iris Bennett was next, pleased with a PB and it was great to see Oliver Thomas back on the run scene post injury with a good time. Kate Cooper had only completed a long run the previous day so was taking it ‘easy’ but found she was just 7 seconds off a pb on that course. Oliver reported “It was perfect conditions with no wind, and a really good atmosphere all helped, and obviously a very flat course. Other than that it was good fun and I was pleased with my time.” Verity-Jane Lacey also achieved a PB; well done everyone.
Ollie
The Tuff contingent spotted were: – Dom Amey, Iris Bennett, Oliver Thomas, Kate Cooper, Andy Haste, Verity jane Lacey, Karly Martin, Kate Evans & Elaine Rousseau.
BRIGHTON HALF MARATHON
Having been cancelled twice, in February 2020 and again in June 21, Brighton Half finally returned. Not many Tuff on the start line this time, but well done to Andy Vincent and Murray Hodge. Andy was happy with his time crossing the line in 1:50. Missed out? Entry for it’s return back to the usual February slot for 2022 is February 27th – some Tuffs already entered.
TUFF FITTY SOCIAL /END OF SEASON KNEES UP
Normally our end of season ‘do’ includes our awards for the club championship. However Covid put paid to all the Tri championships, apart from Cotswold, which will be presented, and a run series wasn’t staged either. However Tuff Fitty are not one to miss the opportunity to get together & party so tickets are now on sale for the Tuff Fitty end of season social at The Burlington Hotel in Worthing. The date is Saturday 13th November. All welcome (inc partners) – the cost is £25 which includes a buffet so we can all mingle plus dancing! Used to seeing everyone in lycra? we ask that the race T-shirts and lycra are left at home for this evening, and probably no need for the Garmin! Meet at 7pm for 7:30pm – Any questions please ask as we are looking forward to seeing you. Payment into the Tuff bank account, or pay one of the committee if you would prefer to pay in cash. Ticket sales have already got off to a flying start and room capacity is limited – so don’t delay – Date to save Saturday 13th November
PARKRUN
We start off ‘Oop north’ at Alexandra Park parkrun . This saw Ed Lay run but the significant aspect was that he completed this ahead of his Manchester marathon the next day -awesome work Ed.
At Worthing parkrun, James Oram was the first Tuff home in 21:44 completing his 112th parkrun. Les Pearce & Jo Baldwin were next just 1 second apart in 23:28 & 23:29 respectively – all regular track runners. James Togneri was next and although an uncharacteristic slower time, did well with a pushchair to steer (25:32). Phil Turner was next on his 66th PR across the line running with his son Luke. Elaine Rousseau completed to round up the six at this run.
Maidenhead parkrun was back to its usual route with the removal of the wasps nest from last week as Trevor Harvey ran.
Chichester parkrun also had a Tuff runner this week – well done to Sheila Bailey.
Lancing Green parkrun saw Dave Priest run recording his 40th parkrun.
