Weekend Round Up 26th 27th February
BRIGHTON HALF MARATHON
Much of the media reporting from the Brighton Half this year focused on the clear blue sky, as illustrated in this weeks banner shot. However with the wind-chill driving the temperature down, what to wear? vest, or long sleeve top; gloves? As usual this was a great place for some Tuff spotting as members arrived by trains and automobiles. Back to it’s traditional end of February slot, 6,578 runners would complete the course. The route out towards the marina wasn’t too bad, largely sheltered from the wind the other side of the undulation out of Brighton. Once back at the pier there was loop inland up towards The Level before heading East to Hove Lagoon. Normally the turn onto the prom boosts morale as you know there is just 5k to run back home; however………. that blustery wind!
The crowds were out in force with many offering jelly babies and high 5’s all around the course and thanks to Tuffs Nikki Gatland, Danny Bruce and Jay McCardle spotted around the course for their cheering (apologies if anyone has been missed).
First Tuff home was to prove a very closely contested affair with Richard Hobbs, crossing the line just one second ahead by chip time of Alex Webb! The time of 1:28:34 was very impressive, particularly with the last 5k restricting the pace, but this still placed them both in the top 4%. They both reported the last part was absolutely brutal. Simon Thistlethwaite was next Tuff home, gaining some glory as another runner acknowledged he had tucked in behind him for a free tow as Simon made the top 7% with a 1:33.
Dom Amey continued his good running form crossing in 1:38 with Jon Babbage having gained a last minute slot in 1:40. Richard Budd had a good race in 1:44 with Ed Lay in 1:49. Clare Worgan was also running well and continuing to support her charity SANDS. Great to see Glenn Parisi back in action from a posting abroad with Tiff Orton running strongly home as well. Tony Morgan ran round to support Charlotte Pryer and a special shout out goes to Charlotte as this was her first ever half marathon. She was only just off her target time which no doubt she would have achieved had it not been for the seafront wind. By Monday she was raring to go again reporting she can’t wait for the next one. It is great how Tuff training can help all members as the contrast is with Clive Harvey who has completed this race almost every year since 2004. Murray Hodge ensured a good mornings work from the Tuff fourteen.
CHICHESTER HARBOUR – CHIDHAM TRAIL RUN
Another UK running event which many Tuffs have frequented. This one was an off road trail run around the Chidham peninsular with a further loop around Chichester harbour. Held at low tide as part of the course went onto the foreshore. A choice of two routes with UK Running’s traditional 15k distance seeing a Top Tuff in the form of Nikki Gatland. There was also an 8.6km route at which Vicky Cooper ran. Whilst a trail run, she stated there were several muddy bits. Well done to Nikki & Vicky who collected UK Runnings obligatory buff, socks and medal.
PARKRUN
At Littlehampton parkrun, first Tuff home this week goes to Oliver Thomas in a very strong 21:50. Adrian Oliver was next in 22:26 Kev Pearson with Richard Budd next on his 163rd parkrun. Helen White was back in action notching up her 5th parkrun this year. Alistair Evans completed his 73rd PR. Great to see Jenny Oliver back in action and Nick Hartfield was on the organising team also completing part of the course.
Across at Worthing parkrun – Steve Fryer ran this course for a change and it proved the right decision with a spritely 20:18 – first Tuff home. Phil Scales was in attendance for his first parkrun and opened his account in style with a 20:34. A more seasoned parkrunner followed as Les Pearce accrued his 147th PR. Next home it is good to report a PB for Kate Cooper in 23:35 and Dave March during a busy spell finished his 32nd PR. Tony Pearce was the next Tuff across the line with Phil Turner finishing 15 seconds later. Ed Lay took things easier ahead of Brighton Half . Elaine Rousseau completed her 116th
Well done to all seventeen Tuffs.
