Russell Gardham reports:
I didn’t venture out of the club house until 3 mins to the start because of the drumming of the rain on the roof top. However, when I did and climbed over the rail to get to the front, I was very pleased that within 10 minutes of the start that the rain soon slowed down and stopped altogether.
Placed 143rd out of a field of around 1750 with a time of 4hr10mins49secs. Only those that finish in under 6 hours actually get their times registered, but this year that is further limited to an issue with the timing system and entry/number system. The official site shows only the top 10 men with times and the top 3 women. Zoe is in some good company, as for the 2nd year running the top lady came from Hailsham Harriers.
This race started with one of the steepest hill starts ever. It literally starts at the bottom of a very steep one. On the plus side we had that same hill to finish, so not many people finished at a walk, you literally came hurling down it at the finish.
95% of the race is run off road with what seemed like 95% also on an hill of one type or another.
The race is renowned for the Seven Sisters. Its not as it suggest seven sisters. Its actually 7 hills in a row running alongside the very impressive cliffs of Beachy Head. These sisters stretch for the best part of 1.5 miles. But, you know once you’ve finished that one that you are only 3 miles or so from the finish, with just one final hill.
Well done Russ!
