Weekend Round Up 13th 14th April

This week’s Round Up is very run focused as we have a 50 miler, a marathon and a challenging 10k (amongst others) to keep Tuffs focused; but the ultimate is probably Marathon des Sables held from April 12th – a total distance of 250km across 6 days in the Moroccan Sahara. Mike Barrett undertook this amazing adventure and we look forward to reporting on this incredible feat of endurance upon his return.

CENTURION SOUTH DOWNS WAY 50 ULTRA

A local run from Worthing College at Hill Barn. However this run is a 50 mile Ultra marathon so the finish was at Eastbourne on an athletic track. Whilst the route is a straight point to point along the South Downs Way, it packs in a lot of undulations – Total Climb: 5700ft. Jon Babbage was our runner taking part. Jon takes up the story:-

Last year I ran the sdw50 as my first 50 miler, so this year I thought I would like to do it again as it was such a well organised run, when I finally got round to remembering to book it, it was completely sold out so thought, oh well maybe 2025 then. A few months had passed then in my box was an email from Centurion offering their first time grand slam ticket, sign up once and you automatically get entered to the 4 x 50milers they put on in 2024, even the sold out SDW 50 and sold out NDW50. It was a no brainer I was doing it.

Training for SDW hadn’t really happened so my mindset was just get this one done and train for the next 3. Anyway really pleased with how it went. I had so much support out there, I was actually gonna call it a day at the 27 mile aid station as my calf’s were burning and had been from mile 6, but as I hobbled into the aid station there stood James Hodge and David Thomas who were so helpful and supportive. They soon had me on my way, now I was committed. Shelley drove over to Eastbourne to collect me and got there minutes before me and actually ran around the 400m track with me. I crossed the line in 9 hour 42 mins just over an hour quicker than last year.

Centurion really know what they are doing it’s so well marked out and the 6 aid stations on route they are like well stocked picnic buffets, so much to choose from. Anyone considering an ultra go with Centurion.

5 weeks till the MDW50 so best recovery quickly and start training. Massive thank you to Shelley, jimbo, James Hodge for supporting me on the day.

Jon

MANCHESTER MARATHON

Two club members were on the start line at Manchester Marathon, both recording good times. Congratulations to Dom Amey & Pete Littleboy. Dom reported in first and then the thoughts of Pete on their weekend at the location of the UK’s second biggest marathon. Interested in 2025? entry is on a first come first serve basis for the 27th April 2025.

“More than three decades on from my college days in Manchester I decided that a marathon was a good excuse to re-visit the city. Unsurprisingly, things have changed quite a bit after all those years but it was great to go back places that I used to know well. It was also great that Pete had decided to have his first trip to Manchester for this year’s marathon. Sorry my tour guide skills were a little rusty Pete but we got there in the end”. 

“The marathon starts at Old Trafford and makes a strange looking Strava map, heading north towards the city centre to start with then south to Altrincham with small loops adding distance as you go. It’s sold as a flat course and it is really although when you’re running that far even a hump backed bridge feels like an epic mountain climb. I guess having the seafront to run on means that when we want to do a flat run it really is a flat run! But any small slopes did attract crowds and some sections had fantastic support”.

“Having not had a perfect run in to this one I wasn’t sure how to pace it and my indecision meant I just went with the flow from the start. Unfortunately, Pete had suffered an equally niggly training block and neither of us were expecting miracles but I surprised myself getting through to the halfway point in good shape. At 30km someone in the crowd shouted “you’ve done the hard bit now” and I shared a laugh with the guy next to me as we agreed that they couldn’t have been more wrong but actually I was still hanging on ok. And then all of a sudden I was shocked to realise that a PB might actually be within reach. I did push but it was a long run in to the finish and a new PB eluded me by a handful of seconds. It didn’t matter though, getting that close and coming out the other side without any damage done was a huge win”.

“If you’re looking for a big city marathon with a flat course and a great atmosphere I’d certainly recommend Manchester as one to look at”.

Dom

“I signed up to this marathon as it’s known for being flat and fast and the 2nd biggest in country. Also it was my birthday weekend and I’ve never spent any time in Manchester; but who’s needs reasons to partake in 26.2 miles. So I was lucky to find out our very own Dom would be attending. Onto the Saturday,  I thought as with all big events we would attend the expo but alas there was no expo! Being in the city centre you could be forgiven that there was a marathon event going on the following day. However; come race day cometh the crowds, cheering and music blasting. With my lack of proper training due to injuries I struggled on and so glad I did, however I might question the flatness hype especially mile 5 & 15. However we had good weather for the day and I spent an extra day to take in the delights of Manchester  and now I am mad for it our kid  =

Pete

GRAND NATIONAL 10K

There were 13 Thoroughbred Tuffs on the start line for this year’s Grand national 10k. Usually there is a gentle lap of a parade ring, but here starters orders had already been given and spectators could study the form book as the runners completed a lap of Nepcote Green before heading out on the course. Conditions were deemed to be ‘good’ a phrase totally unheard of so far in 2024. Those pundits studying form will have noted that the 2023 winner, Mark Walford was back in the saddle this year. After the race he stated he thought he heard hooves behind him and pushed harder but he needn’t have worried as he crossed the line 1st overall with a winning margin of over a minute. Second home from the Tuff stable was Simon Thistlethwaite. Whilst his first canter here, Simon also had a great race finishing 5th overall and 1st in his age group. What underlined these two racing pedigrees was that they had cycled over to the start (circa 25 miles) and after a quick rub down with some hay, cycled a further 15 miles home – most impressive. Chris Robinson our local jockey ran up the hill from home and it was great to see after a difficult year with injuries that he was in fine form. Make no mistake this was definitely not the ‘flat season’ as the course had serious undulations with a total of 850 foot of ascent. Chris did well finishing in 10th overall. Crossing the line just 2 seconds later Katie Young had only been talked into entering at the previous evenings swim session but still finished 3rd female and 11th overall.

Runners headed up the gallops with a steady climb to the top of Monarch’s Way. Whilst not a Steeplechase, runners encountered a very steep slope down, only to face a steep climb up the other side. Whilst not quite in the same race folklore as Beechers Brook, it certainly got the nostrils flaring. Further success continued from the Tuff Stable as Adrian Oliver completed in 13th position. This was despite his now standard running with a Go-Pro for the splendid video below. Then Andy Gomm finished close behind in 15th overall. Six Tuffs in the top 15 – impressive.

From Monarch’s Way runners climbed up to the South Downs Way before heading south and then the final long climb up to Cissbury Ring. The last mile was downhill to the finish. The strong Tuff results continued with Iris Bennett running to the event to cheer and then said, ‘well, I might as well run then’, finishing as seventh Tuff home and then running home; doubling her morning’s run distance. Tiff Orton was our next runner across the line; two impressive performances from the Tuff Fillies. Clive Harvey had run round last year with his inflatable horse and was happy to see Knackers Yard retire. However following a request from the organiser, Clive horsed around again, and won a prize for best fancy dress,

Sheila Bailey shot off from the start line underlining how her strong training is yielding results. Sheila also ran the event last year and this year shaved 5 minutes 30 off her time – brilliant. Janet Shepherd, fresh from the tough Cowdray run last weekend was also galloping round and despite an eventful couple of weeks also managed to shave some time off last years result. Jenny OIiver was another to improve her time. Debbie Boxall took time off from being REP event manager and ran round with her nephew Nico. This completed a very successful morning by the Tuff Fitty yard.

The event grew this year with a 58% increase in numbers across the 10K, Cani and children’s event. Raw energy are looking to increase the horse & fun theme next year and with all riders receiving a big piece of bling, it is a great challenging event to undertake. There was a further Tuff presence in the form of Jon Roper who took the fine album of photos below, shown after Adrian’s video. As is customary with REP races, free photos are available for from Sussex Sports Photography, and a selection have been added to the album below.

Clive

NEW FOREST CLASSIC SPORTIVE

Next up Wendy Frost travelled to Gang Warily just outside Fawley for a cycle sportive reporting as follows:-

On Sunday 14th April I completed the New Forest Classic cycle ride.  I opted for the undulating ‘Long’ course of 127km, which took in the beautiful scenery of the area. Not a fast ride as there are a good number of cattle grids, and the roads were shared in many places with ponies and donkeys with no care for when they decided to cross the road!  The event is definitely one I would like to do again – well signposted with marshals at significant points, 2 amply filled fuel stations with triathlon style racking a mechanic on hand – both at village halls with decent loos.

There were 4 ride options in total, the Rook 17km, Short 53km, Middle 92km and Long 127km.  A free beer and an eco friendly medal at the end plus a pizza and coffee wagon made for a great day out. Maybe a Tuff day out in 2025?

Wendy

PARKRUN ROUND UP

Littlehampton parkrun celebrated its fifth birthday and it was pleasing it could proceed after the promenade was covered with shingle at the beginning of the week. Townsfolk and subsequent parkrunners joined together to ensure the course was cleared in time. First Tuff home was Steve Fryer recording a strong 21:35 after last weekend’s marathon. Alistair Evans was next on his 171st run. Chris Evans was on the volunteer team.

At Worthing parkrun it was fantastic to see Niki Treacy back on the parkrun trail, and what a comeback as 5th lady in a time of just 20:57. Paul Howie was the next Tuff home. Edward Lay was present again at his ‘home run’ this week on pacing duty again. Another one on pacing duty was Phil Turner completing his 113th PR. Next home it was pleasing to see Vicki Hedger running after her recent op, and with Les Pearce once more on the volunteer team, that saw six Tuffs on the Prom.

Bognor parkrun saw Clive Harvey in attendance with Claire Luckham who also gained a volunteer credit.

Chichester parkrun requires 3 laps of Oakland Park which was the parkrun venue for Catharine Gray.

Well done to all twelve