Weekend Round Up 19th 20th November
A quieter week in respect of race action although the usual Tuff training calendar continues to encourage members out during the current crop of ‘unsettled’ weather:-
SUSSEX DOWNS RUNS – PLUMPTON
From UK Running events, there were two distances to choose from: Epic (21km) and Standard (12.5km). The half covered 1,424ft of ascent with the standard route 780ft. Starting from Plumpton we had Pete Littleboy racing the half, doing well to finish under 2 hours across the undulations and Kate Evans in the standard – thanks to them both for reporting in:-
“It started on a fairly pleasant Saturday morning from Plumpton college and with recent rainy weather it was going to be muddy and being the South Downs also very very hilly and it didn’t disappoint as with over 600 competitors it was slow going on some of the singletrack but the veiws where stunning which included a decent view of the Amex stadium which helped with the burning legs and lungs from the hill climbs of which Iam ashamed to have walked some of them as clearly underestimated the elevation and so to finish under 2hrs and placed 103/602 i have to be pleased with that and I always love a muddy hilly trail run”
Pete
” I wasn’t sure if I was going to go to this event or not due the last few awful weeks of my life, but eventually I decided that a day out in the fresh air would do me good. I am so glad I went! Horrific hills, but such a lovely atmosphere and a gorgeous day. I went with no expectations and this meant I enjoyed myself more than usual. Even nearly getting squashed by two tractors and the rampaging half marathoners! Overall one of my most favourite runs so far!! “
Kate
GOSPORT HALF MARATHON
Starting from a school in Gosport, the out and back route is along the coast road and back on the promenade, repeating for a second time. This year we had two Tuffs in attendance, Steve Fryer who reports in below; and Nathan Bilham finishing in 1:41:28. Two good results amongst a field of over 1,200 finishers.
“I arrived early to the Gosport half marathon avoiding traffic and difficulty in parking. From arrival to departure I can only say what a well organised and very friendly event it was.
Following a few days of not feeling 100% I decided to just get round and not worry to much about my time. The weather conditions were perfect, dry, low winds and warmer temperatures than average. For the first lap I took it gently unsure if I would make the second lap. However on feeling better and more settled on the second lap, I increased my speed averaging 7.20’s and felt more comfortable. I was definitely having a second wind as I overtook many other runners including a few buddies who had been in front for the first lap.
I came over the finish line feeling accomplished with a time of 1:36:44 despite feeling under the weather. I will take that time feeling a happy runner”.
Steve
PARKRUN ROUND UP
parkrun only arrived in the Netherlands in 2020 and there are now 14 parkrun’s in the country. This week Trevor Harvey attended Amsterdamee Bos parkrun whilst visiting friends, cycling to and from the event.
Other parkrun tourism occurred at Exeter Riverside Quay parkrun where Sheila Bailey ran who explained it was muddier than expected.
Lee on Solent parkrun saw a strong run from Alice Gatland who finished as 5th female in 22:30.
Back to Tuff’s ‘home parkruns (albeit another cancellation for Lancing due to the waterlogged green):-
Worthing parkrun saw some super Tuff times with Alex Webb recording 19:00 to finish 11th overall. Steve Feest crossed in 22:21 with Dave March just 11 seconds behind (22:22). Richard Jay was our next Tuff home in 23:49 on his 58th PR.
LIttlehampton parkrun saw Nick Hartfield don his volunteer tabard. Emily Vaz crossed the line as 2nd female in just 20:25 for her 145th PR. Rick Budd was next home in 21:29 for his 194th PR. Vicky Cooper ran well for her 37th PR
Bognor Regis parkrun : Jason Rae who established Bognor parkrun as race director and was running the location’s 357th fixture. Also present was Clive Harvey
Well done to all thirteen.
