​By Anita Watkins

 You may have gathered that I am a Lancashire lass in exile to the southern counties, as I have family still ‘up north’ I’m lucky enough not to need to shell out for hotels for events in that neck of the woods.
My brother did this event a couple of years ago in his Sergeant Pepper suit, at least I thought he did it – turns out he did the half.  He had such a great time that I decided I had best give it a go.  
I had a plan for this marathon, I’ve done a few before where the aim was basically to keep moving forwards and get to the end.  This time, I thought, there will be a proper structured training plan (thank you Judi Bond), I’ll have an evenly paced, slow run and get to the end having walked very little of the course just inside the cut-off time.
 The course starts at the historic Albert Dock where you can visit the Beatles Experience alongside loads of other interesting places.  You pass by The Liver Building, The Cavern, Goodison Park, Anfield (the home of the Champions of Europe!), Penny Lane, Chinatown and just about every iconic site in the city. I believe Liverpool also has the most parkland of any UK city outside of London.  The marathon goes through Stanley Park, Princes Park and Sefton Park – all of which are lovely.  
The marathon was the week before the Champions League final and virtually the whole city was decked in the red of Liverpool FC, even some of those houses adjacent to the Everton Ground.  It was quite a spectacle even if you aren’t a football fan.
This is a brilliant event, there is a music stand every mile or so round the course, the majority of them are live bands.  Can you imagine my joy as I heard the DJ playing ‘Penny Lane’ just as I got to the top of Penny Lane?  OK, it was 20 odd miles in and I was a bit delirious by then, so it took me a while to realise that the poor guy had been playing it on a loop for HOURS by the time I got there!!  As someone who gets full value for money out of my entry fee I am used to the music and cheer squads being at the packing up their gear stage by the time I get there.  This was not the case at Liverpool.  Most stands still had live music playing, those that didn’t had a sound system and a supportive DJ.  All of the aid stations were fully stocked, and the marshals were as fantastic as you could hope for.
What about ‘The Plan’?  Well, the training went very well and I was totally on track to achieve my goal of ‘running’ a marathon (as opposed to completing a marathon).  Then I spent the evening before with my kid brother.  It’s not what you are thinking – no alcohol was consumed.  Race plans were discussed in some detail, which involved a lot of supportive brotherly banter about not needing to worry too much because the sweeper bus would be going at the same pace I planned to run and I’d be on it before too long!
  Well of course I set off way too fast in a determined effort to stay ahead of the bus.  Not only too fast, but I got a 10K PB, and very nearly a 10 mile PB in the early part of the course – sorry Judi, I may have panicked!!  There was no way I could keep that up for 26.2 miles and by the time I got to Chinatown it was getting very painful.  On just about any other day I would have been grateful to get to the last 4 miles which is dead flat along the banks of the Mersey.  On this day those 4 miles were into a headwind that threatened to knock your feet from under you at times.  Still, I completed my sixth marathon (without even seeing the sweeper bus), I’ve forgiven my brother for doing what little brothers do, and I got my Rock’n’Roll medal! 
I had a fantastic day!



Top tips for this event
⦁ Liverpudlians are fantastic!
⦁ Stick to your plan and do not let the marathon demons into your head!  (This applies to any race)
⦁ Park at the Anglican Cathedral - £8 for the day, outside the road closure zone and reasonably close to the start/finish
⦁ Liverpool is surprisingly hilly, not steep but relentless for the first 22 miles
⦁ If you aren’t local, it’s a great city to spend a couple of days in.

By Rob Holmes who completed his 100th marathon amazing 

​Race report for the Golden Phoenix Marathon on the 2nd June


Myself and about 100 other runner completed the Golden Phoenix Marathon on the 2nd June.
This is the flag ship race of Phoenix Running. A friendly, inclusive, low key events organiser with awesome bling. They host running events from 5km to 50km mainly in the Walton upon Thames area.  (https://www.phoenixrunning.co.uk/).
Although blisteringly hot this event was very well organised with plenty of water, sweets and cakes. Also Ice lollies at the half way point - very welcome surprise.
With 99 marathons completed this was the charm. Finally did it, got to 100.
My little shaved monkeys (Kids) have already stolen the bling.
Now need a new challenge 200? better not tell Jacky!

As the name suggest this is a low key, friendly, fun running event. With lots of cake!
Held at Jeskyns Community Woodland in Gravesend, Kent. Under blue skies and near perfect running weather.
The race started at 7:30 and was a 3.28 mile gentle undulating lapped event. As many as you can / like in under 6 hours. I stopped at 8 laps giving me the marathon.
A well organised event with nice bling.
99 marathons finished. Need to get the 100 done before all the niggles join to become an injury.


Many thanks
Rob

This years event had a mixed field or ability with a staggered start to level the playing field and all that took part finished with in three minutes of the leader. Becky Kipping was the victor and got a voucher for the run shop for her efforts well done Becky. 
As the race got underway as crack chefs (Austin and Barrie ) set to work on the food and everyone was deferentially well feed by the time we went home . It was great to see all the club mates and there partners having a chat over a burger and enjoying a lovely sunny Sunday afternoon.    

In perfect weather for running, Andy Ward, “Wardy” was introduced to the 30 or so members present.
He gave a brief intro about his passion for coaching, own experiences, esp. Triathlon related and how he’s happy to share.
 
He explained about his involvement and tuition from Jon Bigg, (Sally Gunnel husband and Mo Farah involvement etc).  
 
We started with a dynamic warm up with drills, “Korean Death March, “chase the chickens”, “Madness walk”, Skips A, B and C, “Grapevine” (aka “Carioca”), etc.
 
This was followed with “Strides”, going up through the gears.
 
The main part of the session consisted of a running circuit (square of about 75m sides), of easy, steady and effort running, with slight uphill and down sections.
The effort part rose from 30 secs, to more time, with easy, then steady recovery between.
 
Finally, there was a warm down with talk about foot strike on landing when running.
Heel strike, not so good, braking effect. Mid foot and forefoot etc and demonstration of propulsion.
 
There was also chat, and demonstration, regarding the use of strong elastic type resistance bands and use around your legs (above and below knee), to help Glute issues.
 
Wardy promised to send links to some of the topics we chatted about, (to follow).
 
Striders then thanked Wardy, had a group photo (Mary’s camera), and presented him with a £30 “Run” shop voucher.
 
Steve (Feest)

This is always a popular race for team orange and this year was no exception with to my count 29 striders taking part. The race starts on the green by the sea front in Littlehampton does a lap of the green before heading onto the beach. Runners head  east for 2.5 miles along the sands negotiating rock pools groins and water channels on the way before turning and heading back in the direction they came from back to the finish . This is a lovely friendly little event with the beach element adding a different twist to it and helped by what was a beautiful late spring evening .  Well done to all the competed with a particular mention in dispatches to Paul Hurley and Mike Osman both of which are moving like trains at the moment.

By Mike Osman

​​Laura Thom and I decided to challenge ourselves to complete the Seaford Half Marathon consisting of around 250 participants. A day perfect for running, mostly sunny with a light breeze to keep us nicely cool going round. It treated us to a beautiful mix of coastal views, countryside footpaths, and multiple but varied hills to ascend and descend to test our endurance to the maximum. 
 
We set out from the start line at 9:00 a.m. beginning on a flat coastal length before embarking inland through a delightful countryside course which was well marked and well marshalled. There were water and juice stations set up at 4 ideally spaced locations to provide all the necessary hydration throughout the run. A thoroughly enjoyable atmosphere and great support as we crossed more public foot pathed areas and a few animals for company as well, including this mean looking cow that seemed intent on guarding this gate that I had to get through! As the run drew to its climax we pushed over our final hill climbing to the peak of Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters to take in a view worth capturing, before a steep descend down the other side to the bottom, feeding you with adrenaline for the rest of the route along the coast and to the finish line to receive our finishers medals. More very gratefully received drinks, biscuits and bananas awaited us at the finish, and even the possibility to buy a nice warmly made crepe with a selection of fillings to choose…. Hmmm yum!
 
Both I and Laura finished with very respectable times. I had a time of 1:48 and Laura hit a PB of 2:21. Confirmation of exact timings and finishing places shall be confirmed and available to view on the events website by 12 noon this Wednesday. 
 
An awesome event! Stunning views, a great challenge, and at £17 entry an absolute steal for a half marathon, I would highly recommend
Mike 

From Natasha Sparkes

​On the 12th May a group of striders met at Portslade Community College and Sports Centre for an 11am start of the Portslade Hedgehoppers 5 miler.

There are changing facilities, showers and toilets available at the Sports Centre.

The weather was beautiful, around 16 degrees and gorgeous sunshine.

We had a short walk to the start. The first gradual incline was long and felt like it would never end!

This course is very hilly and quite tough but has fantastic scenery all around.

There were a couple of water stations along the way and marshals were encouraging.

The 3 mile mark was the most  enjoyable part of the run for me with a nice, long flat stretch with stunning views to take in before the last few inclines.

At the end there was a nice selection of biscuits and soft drinks

Ali Van  E  Sent us this regarding the clubs beginners course and the club in general and i felt it was worth sharing.

It's now been a year since I started the Couch to 5k course with Striders. Benita was brilliant and made the sessions fun and achievable. I used to like running when at school (nearly 40 years ago!) so joined up hoping to find an exercise that I could enjoy again and which would improve my fitness. I know I'm not the best runner and doubt I'll ever run a marathon, but I love what I am doing and feel so much fitter and healthier than I've felt for years.
 
I enjoy the camaraderie of the club, the support for everyone whatever their ability and the way even small achievements are celebrated.
 
I managed to do a sub 30 minutes park run recently and I know compared to others isn't that fast but it was for me, especially as the first 5k l did was 47 minutes! 
 
I am so happy that I joined up and would like to thank everyone for being so supportive and lovely.
 
Ali 🙂

This race was part of Mid Sussex Marathon weekend three races that made a totally distance of 26.2 miles you could do all three or just just one each race had a separate medal for each that joined together to make one large one ..
Tim, Neil and Jo where just doing the Saturday
Carla was doing Saturday and Monday and brave Becky did all three (kudos to her )
We arrived to find plenty of car parking and  greeted with a very chilling and windy  morning for May.  We took shelter in the club house and proceeded to complain a lot about the cold and why are we doing this etc . Eventually and only after a small wardrobe malfunction ( shorts on inside out ) we braved the elements and headed to the start cue  more moaning . We needn’t of worried the race began and after a lap of the field we set of on a lovely route down tree lined trails to a lake  going around part of it  and down some lovely country’s lanes we headed along what appeared to be an old railway line and back  the race had a little surprise for us  a particularly savage hill at the end , but we all finished with a smile on are faces  Kudos to Neil 5th in cat next was Tim hot in his coat tails hanging on for dear life , then Jo , Becky and Carla.
Lots of laugh a lovely course what a great morning out .
Tim 

Paul Durrant did the 3 forts and did this write up.

​
Kitt, Tom and myself entered this hilly half marathon, which was the first  time for all three of us.
 
The race started from Hill barn at 10:30 and the conditions were perfect, not too hot, broken cloud  and a bit of a breeze – just right  to keep us cool at all times. There was a great atmosphere throughout the race. Ample water & food stops with plenty of jelly babies, water, energy drinks, cakes, bananas etc. At one point,  I was eating so much – the day started to become  more of a picnic than a half marathon.
 
On the hills there were plenty of walkers and mountain bikers who stopped in their tracks and spurred us on, which was great.  The course is so picturesque with  stunning views over the downs. Oh, and also plenty of hills to climb and descend.
 
They call this run the Tough One, which for the marathon I would imagine it is; however, for the ½ it is slightly challenging but more than anything it just a beautiful scenic run and if you haven’t run it before, I would definitely encourage you to enter next year.
 
When we finished we were presented medals by the Mayor of Worthing and also given  t-shirts and more food!!  
 
You may remember Tom and Kitt from our fantastic trip to Verona. They both thoroughly enjoyed the run and like myself would  definitely recommend it.

Striders had two ladies running this year. Gemma Wells and Sarah Richards both ladies where running for charity's and raised lots of cash . Well done Gemma and Sarah fantastic  . The write up below is from Sarah.

​After months of training the weekend of the London marathon was finally here. Extremely excited to be part of such an amazing race, I decided to make a weekend of it. First stop was the running expo the day before at the Exel arena. There was huge buzz there, with thousands of people there to pick up their race number and grab photo opportunities along with any running freebies they could get their hands on. Hundreds of stands awaited with plenty of London marathon merchandise to add to the excitement of race day! I left the expo with plenty of marathon souvenirs. Next stop was to check in at my hotel and then to meet Gemma our other Strider who was also running for some extremely important carb loading.

The next morning I woke early leaving plenty of time to get to the blue start. Tube travel on the day of the marathon is free to all marathon runners, all you have to do is show your number and they let you through. We crammed on a train at London Bridge to get to the start at Blackheath. Thousands of people were making their way to the start adding to excitement and anticipation of starting. First stop was a toilet trip and then to drop your baggage on your assigned baggage lorry. It was then time to enter your pen for your start wave.

At about ‪10:25 I was off, with a slow walk to the start line and then a break into a jog to make a start at one of the biggest races in the world. The atmosphere was unbelievable and the cheers from the spectators completely out of this world. Throughout the whole race there isn’t one boring part, with the amazing scenery of London and all the significant landmarks you pass along the way, the time goes really quickly. Once you hit mile 3 the different start colours merge and the course begins to get a bit busier but not enough to slow you down too much. Probably the most crowded parts of the race in terms of spectators is Tower bridge. The crowds are at least 10 deep and the cheering is out of this world.

This is definitely a race where you are well looked after! There are water, Lucozade or even gel stops almost every mile, as well as portaloos.

The last 6 miles of the race takes you along Embankment and Blackfriars bridge towards Big Ben and the Mall. As any marathoner knows, this is where the race really begins and is the place where you are most likely to want to stop. The crowd won’t let you, calling your name and shouting encouragement. It is the spectators that get you through, along with the anticipation of the Mall and the fact you are going to get one of the best medals of your life. The epic moment of when you cross the finish line is something to be treasured forever. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to take part in this race.

Once over the finish line you’re given your medal and an extremely substantial goody bag with plenty of food and drinks to make you feel human again along with a pretty cool London marathon t-shirt. The stiffness quickly kicks in and first thoughts are never again but we shall see.....the ballot entry is already open for next year I might just have to enter! All the blood, sweat and tears are worth it!

Jo Turner , Sam Morfee , Liz Crockford and Kevin Valentine did this popular local event , Write up by Jo.

​On the last Sunday of April, several Striders congregated in the garden of the Fox pub in Patching. Not for the usual beer/crisp combo (that comes later) but instead for the Bluebell trail run offering two distances of either 10k or 10 mile. The race starts on the road and quickly takes an uphill climb on trails through Angmering woods and up on to the South downs. The weather was cool but clear with sunny spells and the views were spectacular. Water stops were available enroute plus cheery marshalls offering at times, much needed motivation. This is one of my favourite races due to the undulating terrain that prevents boredom which can sometimes occur on longer runs and due to the time of year, the young lambs, calves, other wildlife and not forgetting the bluebells offer runners a real sense that spring has sprung. I am swiftly going to mention the ridiculously steep hill back up to the pub garden at the end of the course (save some in the tank) but don't let this deter you from entering this race next year — it is a real treat! There are no medals for finishers but instead, free professional photographs available for download. An off road race not to be missed! Special mention to Liz Crockford who excelled in the 10k and a speedy effort from Sam Morfee in the 10 mile. Great effort by all Striders - well done!

Rob Holmes completed seven marathons in seven days  and sent in this write up 
well done Rob the man is a machine.... Rob is 3rd from the right in the pic with white cap on.

Seven Marathons in Seven Days.
Phoenix Running held their inaugural 10 runs 10 days between Saturday 13th April till Monday 22nd.
My intention was to try and run ten marathons, popping to Brighton on day two for the Brighton Marathon.
Apart from Brighton the runs were along the beautiful Thames towpaths around Walton upon Thames. Under bright sunny conditions.
However, my right leg had other ideas.
I had to step down and run less miles on the last three events. Completing seven marathons in seven days and ten running events in ten days. Becoming an official "TIT".
About 70 friendly runner became TIT's at the end of this event.
I fully recommend this any all other event by Phoenix Running.
This seven will help me achieve my desire to run 100 marathons.
Phoenix Running are known for their friendly, inclusive, low key events and awesome bling putting on running events from 5km to 50km mainly in the Walton upon Thames area.

Report from Steve Feest

​
A group of 20 Striders were out in force this Easter Monday for the 2nd West Sx Fun Run League (WSFRL) event of the year, the Lewes 10k.
 
The 11:00 am start means you have to arrive early to get a parking space or park a little further away and jog in for your warm up.
 
Not that a “warm up” was necessary as the temperature soared to 20 degrees at the start.
 
The course starts at the running track then goes out along tracks and trails in to the countryside, South of the A27, to Iford village and back.
 
It’s a scenic, fairly flat, course with one a few “undulations” to test the legs.
 
The usual soggy “paddy field” section is no more as the route has been changed slightly (still 10k), and now goes easier along a gravelled path.
 
Lewes AC hosted the event and did well although it’s an easier course to manage compared to some.
 
Cries for water on the course went unheard as the unusually hot weather caught many out.
 
The pre-race instructions, (worth reading), did not mention water, except at the end, and it might be worth investing in a “water belt” for such future events; I wish I’d brought mine, (thanks for the en-route swig Paul!)
 
As a Lewes AC fella said to me, at the finish, the runners would have been be crying out for “Space blankets” and heat lamps had this race been run a week earlier in the freezing Easterly wind that plagued the Brighton marathon!
 
Overall it was a lovely run/social event with plenty of well-priced cakes and tea in the sports hall after.
 
Look forward to seeing you next at the Portslade WSFRL race on Sunday 12th May.

Report by Tim Mcgrath
This was the second year this event has taken place and the course had be changed a bit from last years event for me this was an improvement avoiding a downhill start the course was of three loops of the grounds one small loop and two larger ones. The course was very uphill and down dale taking in the grounds and the beautiful chapel on the hill. Mixed terrain with grass, trail and concrete with a total of 446 feet gained on the whole course so challenging. 
​Striders where well represented with six runners Chris Lacy , Carla Tullet , Jackie Bone , Mike Osmann , Sean Carter and Tim Mcgrath. 
A very good race i would recommend it very local good parking lovely medal so excellent value for money.

Gemma Wells did the AW 20 and sent in this report 

​AW20 31st Match 2019
Adur and Worthing 20 mile run was hosted by Sussex Trail Events and it was a new road race for 2019. It is an out and back run and starts at Shoreham Beach Green,it does a loop around Shoreham Beach before heading along the seafront through Lancing and Worthing to Ferring. The 10 mile turnaround point is just beyond Sea Lane, Ferring and then you head back again toShoreham Beach. The wind was against us heading back along the seafront to Shoreham which was hard work! It is a flat course and ideally timed so it can be used as a last long run before Brighton or London marathons which was why I decided to do it and there were lots of others taking part who were also using it as part of their marathon preparation. There were 4 well stocked aid stations which provided an array of yummy snacks. We were made aware in advance but you needed to take your own cup or bottle for water as these were not provided in an effort to reduce plastic waste. Approximately 150 runners took part so it did feel like I was running on my own for a lot of the time but overall it was a good experience, well organised and definitely helped me to get my 20 mile run in!


​

Race report from Carla Tullett who race with Jackie Bone

​Sunday's Mel's Miler 10k was an enjoyable run, Jackie's 2nd time and my 3rd time at the event. We started and finished the race at Christ Hospital, and ran out of the grounds, heading towards Southwater Park. With a couple of roads to cross we were in the park and starting to make our way back. This was a fairly flat race with a few undulating areas around the park. The course was well marshalled and organised. A nice medal with an orange ribbon, the best colour for us Oranges, a few jelly babies and the race was completed for 

Race report from Rebecca Kipping  who did the race with Samantha Morfee

​The Hampton Court half marathon is exactly as it sounds, starts and finishes at Hampton Court Palce itself and is held in mid March which is a nice time of year especially for those running April marathons.
I give the run 6/10.
We got up there nice and early, and, following the very thorough race instructions sent out in the race pack and via email we parked at the train station.  Parking only cost £2.50 which was a bargain!
The race village opened at 7.30 and was very good with food, sports merchandise, registration, bag drop, lots of toilets and complimentary massages. All in the shadow of the palace itself.
The race started in waves, which were well organised and all set off on time, no mean feat for about 3000 runners!
So far so good! The first 3 miles were along the Thames, which was a lovely place to run.
Then we went across a bridge to the other side of the river and it was here that things went wrong.
The next 5 miles were on the road. Not a problem, however I was expecting closed roads but I was wrong! 5 miles on narrow pavements with hundreds of others runners is not fun.
To make matters worse we obviously had to cross lots of roads, and here it really got messy. I was middle of the pack and by the time I reached some crossing points the cars were really backed up and the marshals were quite ineffective. At one roundabout there were probably 50+ cars in a queue. Drivers were understandably angry about having to wait for thousands of runners and soon horns were blaring making for a less than fun atmosphere.
At 8 miles we returned back to the river, then turned off to run the last 2 miles in the Palace grounds. Luckily it was dry as this could have been very muddy and slippery.
The reception at the finish line was great, with a big crowd cheering us on.
The medal was worth the journey and you got a t-shirt too, though it was quite cheap material, as well as some nice snack freebies and a half price voucher for a visit to the Palace.
Despite the positives, its a running event and for me its all about the run, not the facilities or the freebies, or even thr medal. For an event that cost about £40 I would not do it again. Worthing and Brighton are both about the same price yet are closed road making for a much more enjoyable race.

Brighton half race report by Sam Morfee

Brighton half marathon is a little hilly in places but a great course. This year was a nice sunny day with no wind and so a good chance of getting a PB..
I decided to go by train as I knew that the walk down from the station would be a good stretch to walk to bag drop before the run.
Getting in the start pens I was in the 2 hour to 2 hr 15 mins slot, so behind what I had actually planned to as I took my friend's place. I started off and it was quite busy and trying to get passed the 2 hour pacer so it took me to after 10k point to get passed him. Once I’d managed to get passed I then plodded on with good stride and kept the pace that I had wanted from the start, so I knew I was in for a PB at Brighton if I continued steadily.

The run starts at Maderia drive before turning right towards Ovingdean where you get great views of the cliff tops before heading back on yourself towards the Palace Pier. Then the race heads north and goes up past the Royal Pavilion and round and back down to the seafront again. Mile 7 you hit the Grand Hotel where there are loads of supporters cheering you on, which helps keeping you motivated. Turning at Hove lagoon, you know it’s only a park run back to the finish line and that was when I knew I could get my PB if I carried on.
Once I was on the home stretch I focused on the finish line to get this PB of which finished at 1 hr 55 mins and 15 seconds which I was pleased about. The post run massage was gratefully received and then I walked back to the station to catch the train home.

Super run and next year I will enter again and get another PB I hope.

Report by Sarah Richards

​Worthing half marathon is a flat fairly fast course, which is great if you are chasing a PB, although this of course all depends on the weather. Worthing is notoriously nicknamed windy Worthing and it certainly lived up to its name for the half marathon! The weather was fairly cold, drizzly and windy, which didn’t exactly entice the runners on this Sunday morning in February.

On the bright side, the location was incredibly easy to get to, particularly if you are a local Worthing resident. There is plenty of free parking about a mile away from the town centre which is especially good if you want to do a little warmup jog before you start the race. It all seemed really well organised, apart from the baggage drop at the Pavilion. Definitely avoid taking baggage with you as it was organised chaos. No baggage labels, literally a drop and hope your kit was still in the same place you left it when you returned!

The race started at 9am and both the 10km race and the half marathon started at the same time. Both races followed the same route, weaving in and out of the roads around the town centre. It then headed west toward Ferring, while the 10km race headed back towards the finish by the pier.

Running against the headwind was pretty tough, a race where you definitely need to pace yourself to ensure you have enough left in the tank to get you out to Goring gap where the scenery is pretty stunning.  This always helps to get you through, especially when fighting against the wind.

The last stretch of the race takes you back east for the final couple of miles to the finish, with at last the wind behind you, to retrieve a well deserved medal. This year it doubled up as a very handy bottle opener which was definitely a bonus! A race that really can’t be missed, especially as it is literally on your doorstep. No doubt we’ll be back next year to beat this year’s time......

Report from Keith Fowler

​Representation for Worthing overall was low.  Perhaps the Worthing half had something to do with it..or the mud, but 1 Harrier, 1 Goring, 1 Run Academy and 2 Striders took part in the men's senior race.  No need dusting off the club tent or flag at this meeting.  It was a case of spikes on, warm up and then race.  The route, 4 laps with slightly different routes each time, took us up hills, through woods, over mud and into the wind.  The sun came out too - ideal xc conditions.    Results on the day:

Steve Fryer     35.03 minutes          
Keith Fowler   36.08 minutes

Finishing 7th in Division 3 for the race and 9th overall for the series.

​On Sunday 3rd February, in what can only be described as artic but beautiful (bitterly cold but sunny and no wind), 14 Striders went to Arundel to complete the four mile run organised by Cancer United for Out Run Cancer.
After attempting to warm up, the gun went (or more precisely someone shouted ready steady go) and we set off down Mill road with Arundel Castle nestling behind and fantastic views of Swanbourne lake. With a field of just 127 runners, the race was small but friendly, enabled cheery companionship but also allowed for space and a sense of tranquillity in beautiful surroundings. 
The first hill came in as we approached the Black Rabbit pub (usually a pit stop) and from here we climbed up to 135ft – an undulating course with spectacular views across the River Arun. Towards the end of mile two, we ran down a lovely hill into the village of South Stoke only to turn around and run straight back up it again. However, there was water on hand and cheers of support from the friendly marshals. 
The last mile of the course is flat and follows an exhilarating downhill. The run to the finish line as you come over the bridge by Swanbourne Lake is amazing. The beauty of Arundel with closed roads and a small crowd can’t be beaten.
To top off what was a thoroughly enjoyable running experience, Chris Lacey came in 4th place (29.42) and both Steve Feest and Mike Osman came in the top 10. Jo Turner was the second lady across the line (33.38) and all of our striders ran brilliantly. This race wasn’t about times and winners or losers, it was about showing our support for all those affected by Cancer and I think I can say, we did them proud!

Striders showed a good turn out for the event with 21 runners taking part in this years event. Not the easiest of courses with a route of 5 miles in total  up to the top of Cissbury ring and back. At least the competitors were  blessed with a bright sunny winters day. The runners are listed below along with their position and time, 466 runners completed the race.

 48th            Keith Fowler             38.06
55th            Steve Fryer                 38.33
75th           Chris Lacy                    40.08
133th         Steve Feest                 43.41
135th         Paul Hurley                43.46
138th         John  Turley               43.55
 164th        Joe Davis                     45.26
202th         Jo Turner                     48.34
206th        Tony Pearce                48.46
220th        Neil Pawter                49.24
227th        Laura Paskin              49.43
228th        Natasha Sparkes     49.44
229th        Paul Durrant              49.45
236th       Carla Tullett                50.17
241th       Sean Carter                 50.35
267th       Helen Black                53.40
268th      Craig Hawkins           53.40
317th      Vikki Dawe                  58.22
328th      Pete Jenkins               59.12
337th     Sarah Lloyd                 60.34
367th     Myra  Jasper              67.24