Weekend Round Up 5th 6th February
After a couple of weeks with no races scheduled, Tuffs were out and about, despite the weather…..
OUTRUN CANCER
Outrun Cancer returned to Arundel for a fundraising run, and once again Tuff Fitty were out in force packing out the results sheet similar to the position in February 2020. The run was ‘just’ four miles but cramming in a lot of undulation – 420ft on the run out to South Stoke and back. It was raining as runners walked down Mill road to collect their numbers, and whilst it looked better with a lull in the rain as everyone gathered on the start line, the rain resumed once the race got underway and would continue then for the rest of the morning.
Clearly conditions didn’t deter the Tuff squad with Mark Walford awarded first position in just 24:59; very rapid for that course. Simon Thistlethwaite would follow home in fourth position (26:58), Clive Patterson-Lett crossed in 7th, (28:28) Emma Hinton 11th overall & Adrian Oliver 12th.
The run from Emma was very impressive and underlined by the fact that she was first female overall in 30:57, almost 90 seconds ahead of second. The good news continued with Clare Worgan’s great run of form earning her 3rd female home pushing hard just behind second position.
It is pleasing to report that after the above six there was a steady stream of Tuffs crossing the line – 13% of the total field. Well done to :- Kev Pearson, Nicole Patterson-Lett, Leah Simms, Clive Harvey, Janet Shepherd, Nina Tully, Susan Douglas, Shelley Babbage, Debbie Boxall, Alistair Evans, & Jenny Oliver. A vote of thanks to Linda Wright & Chris Evans who were part of the excellent marshal team standing in the rain. Another great morning work from the Tuff Squad
DARKSTAR ULTRA MARATHON
Run by the excellent folk at Sussex Trail events, their annual Darkstar Ultra was back. An Ultra marathon running up the River Adur up to the Downlinks and back down the other side – a total of 28.3 miles. Paul Atkinson has raced here before and it was great to see Tiff Orton sign up this year; thanks to Tiff for the following report:-
“If you look up the definition of an ultra-marathon in the dictionary you will find:
noun: ultra-marathon
a long-distance running race that is longer than a marathon (which is strictly 26 miles 385 yards/42.195 km).
I know the purists out there will disagree and say the distance should begin with a 3 but I’m taking that this event that has now ticked off my ultra-marathon box ! A huge thanks to Geordie Paul for encouraging me to enter this event, thanks pet, we did it 🙂
Date: Sunday 6th February 2022
Location: Shoreham
Organiser: Sussex Trail Events; Danny Cunnett, Jay McArdle and Chris Ette
Event: Dark Star Marathon
Distance: 28.3 miles
Conditions: Very wet and windy though the sun did make a few appearances! Slightly muddy underfoot in paces though hearing tales of previous years I think we had it easy.
Course: Lovely, meandering up the river Adur for approx. 10 miles, then a bit on the Downslink up to West Grinstead then back down joining the river on the other side.
Marshals/Aid Stations: Great aid stations (including savoury which I was craving after 20 miles!), marshals were fab including Tuffs Jon Babbage and Grant Smalley, great to see familiar faces.
Goodie Bag: Brill, massive medal and lovely homemade soup and tea/coffee at the end. Unfortunately no Dark Star beer though 🙁
Would I recommend to Tuffs: Definitely
Would I do it again: ask me when my legs have started talking to me aqain!!
Tiff
CHICHESTER 10K
After 30 years of the the Rotary staging Chichester 10k, it was back under new organisers for 2022 and included a 5k. There were five Tuffs entered for the 10k as competitors formed up on the north east corner of the motor racing circuit. Rather than completing a full lap, as they came round to the pit straight runners exited onto the road, heading south to the roundabout. Circle this, runners then ran back up past the circuit gates to the next roundabout before re-entering the circuit for a final lap to finish back on the pit straight.
James Mapley was first Tuff home in a great time of 39:36. James stated he was pleased with his pacing until the second section into the wind, but for those of us who have either run or cycled at the circuit, total respect as wind and rain drives across the circuit. There were further good finishes as first Steve Fryer (42:27) and then Rick Budd (45:50 – having raced parkrun the day before) who are pictured above. Kudos also to both Sheila Bailey & Kate Evans for competing as they also ran a parkrun (Lancing) the previous morning.
KINGLEY VALE HALF MARATHON & 10K
Another run by UK Running so competitors were assured of bling and socks upon finishing the course. There was a choice of half marathon or 10k. In the half marathon Pete Littleboy and Natham Bilham completed. Thanks to Pete for reporting in:-
The Kingley vale HM starts from Goodwood racecourse and is part of the UK running trail series so I knew it would be hilly, but had I known it was going to be that hilly I would have trained for it! And so to the start at a sensible 9am for half (21k) and 9:30 for 10k , it’s also k9 friendly if you so wish, and after a race brief we set off. It’s a well organised event and so ‘what goes up must come down’, and with most people walking the hills, I took full advantage. However I found the downhill the difficult part as it was very steep in places, with slippery white chalk and tree roots which made it treacherous. However you cannot help to take in the beautiful scenery, and yes the weather was cold and windy, but with the early February sunshine, it’s lovely and a fantastic way to spend a Saturday morning.
To finish 12th/325 and 3rd in age group made it a great start to the weekend
Pete
In the Kingley 10k , Tony Morgan and Charlotte Preyer raced and Tony reported, like the half marathon – ‘Quite a tough course that was’!
PARKRUN
At Littlehampton parkrun it was another stellar performance from Emily Moore who crossed the finish as first female in 19:53. Richard Budd was next home in 22:39 for his 161 run. Kev Pearson was next in 23:31 as he paced someone to a PB. Vicky Cooper was another Tuff home clocking up her 31st parkrun. Both Nick Hartfield and Alistair Evans were on the organising team with Al also taking part performing the role of sweeper for his 71st run.
Across at Worthing parkrun Les Pearce ran and for the second week was first Tuff home in 22:41; 12 seconds quicker than last week. Phil Turner was also in action for his 69th parkrun. Chris Sloggett was next home on his 143rd run; then Mark Sole completing his 19th run at Worthing. Elaine Rousseau completed the Tuff roll call.
Lancing Green parkrun saw Kate Evans & Sheila Bailey run together notching up their 24th & 30th park runs respectively
Great to see so many helping others as across at Hove Prom parkrun, Ed Lay was also in action pacing his daughter who achieved a PB – great work.
Well done to the Tuff fourteen.
